Lao and French officials join invited guests for a photo at the environment project launch in Vientiane on Monday.

France injects 4 million Euro to enhance Laos’ environmental laws

Environmental legislation and climate justice in Laos will be strengthened through the Climate and Environmental Justice (CEJ) component of the JuSTICE Project, with a total budget of 4 million Euro.
With funding from France through the French Development Agency, the Ministry of Justice officially launched the CEJ component of the JuSTICE Project in Vientiane on February 3.
The event marked the start of activities this year to improve the enforcement of environmental laws and advance climate justice nationwide.
The project aims to strengthen the rule of law and promote sustainable development in Laos.
A key feature of the initiative is building institutional capacity on environmental standards, raising awareness, and implementing initiatives to enhance respect for and enforcement of environmental laws.
These efforts aim to tackle pressing issues such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the increasing impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect vulnerable communities across the country.
The launch outlined the planned actions of the JuSTICE Project in 2025, with key partners including the People’s Supreme Court, the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor, the National Institute of Justice, the Lao Bar Association, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment working together to strengthen environmental governance and justice frameworks in Laos.
Planned activities include specialised training for judges, prosecutors, and lawyers; awareness-raising initiatives to educate local communities and stakeholders on environmental standards; and collaborative projects aimed at improving enforcement mechanisms and ensuring tangible outcomes.
Deputy Minister of Justice Mr Ketsana Phommachanh highlighted the project’s alignment with Laos’ international commitments, including the Paris Agreement and Laos’ goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent by 2030.
He stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, legal professionals, and international partners to achieve these shared objectives.
Head of Cooperation at the French Embassy in Laos, Ms Nathalie Brat, reaffirmed France’s strong partnership with Laos and its commitment to environmental protection.
She emphasised the importance of inclusive governance and ensuring access to justice in environmental matters, noting that strengthening the environmental rule of law is key to addressing both global and local challenges.
This initiative underscores Laos’ growing commitment to tackling the twin challenges of climate change and environmental degradation while ensuring justice and sustainability for future generations.

By Souksamai Boulom
 (Latest Update February 6, 2025)