The representatives of the Lao government and WWF Laos at the ceremony for signing the agreement.

Agriculture Ministry, WWF Laos sign MoU to strengthen freshwater conservation and climate resilience in Siphandone

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, through the Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF), and WWF Laos signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 9 to implement the project “Strengthening Community Climate Resilience through the Management and Conservation of Aquatic Resources and the Scaling Up of Nature-based Solutions in Khong district, Champasak province”.
Supported by the Australian Government through the Mekong-Australia Partnership and Climate Resilient Communities, and WWF Australia, the project will run until 2029. It aims to conserve aquatic resources, promote sustainable fisheries, strengthen climate resilience, and support sustainable livelihoods through community-led nature-based solutions in the Siphandone riverscape of Khong district.

The MoU was signed by Mr Keovilay Souphavanh, the Deputy Director General of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and Ms Heron Holloway, the Country Director of WWF Laos, in the presence of representatives of central, provincial and district authorities, local communities and implementing partners.
“Rivers and aquatic resources are essential to food security and livelihoods across the Lao PDR. As climate change and increasing human pressure affect these resources, their protection and sustainable management are more important than ever. This project contributes to national efforts to conserve aquatic resources, strengthen climate resilience and support sustainable development,” said Mr Keovilay.
The project will be implemented in seven villages of Khong district and is expected to directly benefit more than 5,300 people, including approximately 2,400 women, from more than 800 households.
Located along the Mekong River in southern Laos, Siphandone, meaning “4,000 islands”, is one of the country’s most important freshwater landscapes. Covering approximately 485 sq km, it is home to around 200 aquatic species and supports the livelihoods of more than 100,000 people. However, climate change and growing pressures on freshwater ecosystems threaten its biodiversity and the communities that depend on it.
“Healthy rivers and wetlands are essential for both people and nature. For over a decade, Siphandone has been one of WWF Laos’ key conservation priorities, where we have continued working closely with local communities and government partners to protect freshwater biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods. This project builds on that long-standing partnership and our shared commitment to helping communities become more resilient while protecting nature for future generations,” said Ms Holloway.
Over the past decade, WWF Laos has supported the establishment of more than 70 Fish Conservation Zones in Siphandone, covering more than 500 hectares of important freshwater habitats through community-led management under national fisheries laws and regulations.
Building on these achievements and ongoing efforts in fisheries’ monitoring, biodiversity research, riverbank restoration and sustainable livelihoods, the new project will strengthen aquatic resource conservation, promote inclusive community-led solutions, and encourage greater investment in nature-based solutions (NbS).
The project will focus on four key priorities, including ensuring community-led freshwater conservation and climate adaptation, and strengthening and scaling community-led conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems to protect biodiversity and support climate adaptation.
It will support climate-resilient livelihoods, sustainable agriculture and livelihood models based on nature-based solutions to improve community resilience.
The project will focus on inclusive conservation and development, and strengthen the capacity of communities and government partners to promote gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), particularly among vulnerable and marginalised groups.
It will build community capacity and ecosystem restoration by strengthening the capacity of communities, the Village Development Fund for Conservation committees and government partners, and promote wider adoption of NbS through communication, awareness-raising and knowledge sharing.
“Australia is pleased to partner with Laos to support a more inclusive and resilient Mekong subregion. Through the Mekong-Australia Partnership, Australia is working with Laos to restore ecosystems, support sustainable livelihoods and build resilience to climate shocks,” said Ms Lisa Mortimer, Counsellor Mekong, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government.
The project will be implemented through close collaboration between the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, the Provincial Agriculture and Environment Department, district authorities, local communities and WWF Laos, ensuring that activities respond to local needs and priorities.
“Communities in Siphandone depend on the Mekong River for their daily lives and livelihoods. Our team will work closely with government partners and local communities to turn the project’s objectives into practical actions that improve freshwater resource management, support sustainable livelihoods, and help people adapt to climate change. We want to ensure that everyone, especially women and vulnerable groups, has opportunities to participate, develop skills and benefit from the project,” said Boualaphan Phonesavanh, Project Manager, WWF Laos.
This project is part of Climate Resilient by Nature (CRxN), an Australian Government initiative, in partnership with WWF Australia and funded by the Mekong Australia Partnership and Climate Resilient Communities.
CRxN aims to advance nature-based solutions in Laos and Viet Nam that protect, restore and sustainably manage critical ecosystems while simultaneously enhancing local livelihoods and increasing resilience to climate shocks.
CRxN believes that when nature thrives, communities do too.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update November 13, 2026)