Mr Kykeo Singnavong and Ms Mitsui Yuko celebrate the signing of a subsidiary agreement, witnessed by relevant officials.

Laos, JICA ink agreement on US$61.5m forest landscape and livelihood project

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a subsidiary agreement that will launch a US$61.5 million project aimed at protecting and restoring forests while improving livelihoods in five southern provinces of Laos.
The Sustainable Forest Landscape Management and Livelihood Improvement in Southern Laos (GFLL-SL) Project will be financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) through grants under its REDD+ Results-Based Payments mechanism, with JICA serving as the accredited entity.
The seven-year project will be implemented in Savannakhet, Salavan, Champasak, Xekong and Attapeu provinces, focusing on sustainable forest and landscape management, rural livelihood development, and greater resilience to climate change.
The Subsidiary Agreement was signed in Vientiane on August 24 by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Kykeo Singnavong and JICA Senior Vice President Mitsui Yuko.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Kykeo said the agreement marks a key step in moving the project from preparation to full implementation.
It follows the signing of a Funded Activity Agreement between JICA and the Green Climate Fund in April 2026 and its subsequent approval by the Ministry of Finance.
The signing will allow the initial disbursement of project funds and enable activities to begin at the national, provincial and community levels.
JICA will now start transferring the first tranche of financing to support implementation in the target provinces. The GCF financing recognises Laos’ achievements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation.
During the 2015-2018 results period, Laos recorded verified emission reductions of about 14.68 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e).
The funds generated through the REDD+ results-based payments will be reinvested to strengthen sustainable forest landscape management and create better socio-economic opportunities for communities that depend on forests.
Project activities will include strengthening national REDD+ mechanisms, improving sustainable forest and landscape management, supporting livelihood development, and strengthening project management and administration. Particular emphasis will be placed on the meaningful participation of ethnic groups, women and vulnerable communities in forest management and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms Mitsui congratulated the Lao government and the Department of Forestry on securing the REDD+ Results-Based Payments from the Green Climate Fund.
She said this achievement reflected decades of cooperation between Laos, Japan and JICA in the forestry sector, dating back to 1996.
She also noted that the GFLL-SL is the first Green Climate Fund-supported project in the Mekong region for which JICA has signed a subsidiary agreement.
Ms Mitsui expressed confidence that the project would contribute to sustainable forest management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and inclusive green growth in rural communities.
She added that the initiative aligns with JICA’s commitment to advancing human security by improving people’s livelihoods and resilience to climate change impacts.
Director General of the Department of Forestry, Assoc. Prof. Dr Somvang Phimmavong, who presided over the signing ceremony, said the project would translate President Kaysone Phomvihane’s vision of forests as “green gold” into practical action.
He stressed the importance of conserving forests as a vital national asset while increasing community participation in forest protection, restoration and sustainable management.
The project supports the government’s efforts to integrate forest conservation, climate change mitigation, landscape restoration and sustainable livelihood development, contributing to forest recovery and better livelihoods for forest-dependent communities.
Government agencies, local authorities and development partners will work together to ensure transparent and effective implementation and maximise benefits for forest-dependent communities.
The project is expected to contribute to Laos’ broader efforts to protect its forest resources, promote sustainable development and meet its commitments under international climate agreements, while further strengthening cooperation between Laos, Japan and JICA.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 26, 2026)