Mr Lanh Sengaphone and Dr Avi Sarkar co-chair a meeting to launch the new project.

New initiative to boost climate resilience in vulnerable Lao communities

Laos launched a new project last week aiming to enhance climate resilience in the country’s most vulnerable communities with a high-profile inception meeting.
The project, titled “Enhancing Adaptive Capacity in Lao Provinces and Building Resilient Housing in Vulnerable Communities”, is funded by the Adaptation Fund and spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and UN-Habitat.
The initiative was launched at a time when Laos faces increasing risks from climate change, including more frequent and severe floods, storms, and droughts.
The new project takes a comprehensive approach to address these challenges. Key strategies include improving provincial adaptation systems, reinforcing housing to withstand climate hazards, and integrating climate adaptation into urban planning.
The inception meeting, held in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, last Thursday was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport Mr Lanh Sengaphone and Regional Advisor South-East Asia and Head of Office for the Lao PDR for UN-Habitat, Dr Avi Sarkar.
The initiative targets six provinces and aims to improve the climate adaptation capacity of local institutions while bolstering the resilience of housing and community infrastructure.
“This project is not just about constructing buildings; it’s about creating safe havens that can endure the challenges posed by a changing climate,” Mr Lanh said.

Dr Avi Sarkar (left) co-chairs the meeting on climate resilience.

“We aim to empower our people with the knowledge and resources to build a culture of resilience and sustainability.”
Dr Sarkar of UN-Habitat highlighted the initiative’s collaborative nature. “Our goal is to enhance adaptive capacities by focusing on resilient housing and critical infrastructure. This project is about more than just construction; it is about empowering communities, fostering sustainability, and ensuring a safer future for all.”
The project comprises several key components, including enhancing the adaptive capacity of communities and provincial institutions to sustain climate-resilient infrastructure and housing, developing and rehabilitating community infrastructure and housing to withstand climate-induced hazards, and promoting climate-resilient construction practices and integrating adaptation measures into local norms and policies.
Stakeholder engagement is central to the project’s design, with consultations to be conducted at national and provincial levels to ensure inclusive decision-making.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will work closely with provincial departments and local communities to ensure the project’s success.
The inception meeting aimed to officially inform stakeholders about the project’s approval and readiness to commence, present the detailed implementation plan, establish collaboration mechanisms, and discuss lessons learned and future opportunities.
As the project progresses, it will incorporate climate risk assessments into urban master plans, improve early warning systems, and construct evacuation centres and coordination centres for adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
This holistic approach ensures that adaptation measures are integrated into provincial and district planning, leading to more resilient communities.
Mr Lanh concluded the workshop with a call to action, emphasising the importance of ongoing cooperation.
“The success of this project depends on our continued dedication. Building resilience is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to our communities and future generations,” he said.
This initiative marks a significant step towards a safer, more sustainable future for vulnerable communities in Laos.
Nearly 50 participants from ministries, director generals, district governors, provincial departments, and local organisations attended the inception meeting, reflecting a collective approach to addressing climate resilience. Members of the Lao Women’s Union were also among the attendees.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 4, 2024)