Laos validates solid waste management assessment studies

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) last week presented the results of their National and Sub-National Solid Waste Management assessments, which aim to evaluate waste management practices, policies, infrastructure and investments across Laos.

Workers at a garment factory in Laos.

The project is implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Laos and funded by the ASEAN-Korean Cooperation Fund (AKCF).
The results of the assessments were presented at a workshop held on August 29, co-chaired by the Deputy Director General of MONRE’s Department of Planning and Finance, Mr Sounadeth Soukchaleun, and Country Representative of GGGI Laos, Mr Rowan Fraser.
The meeting discussed the findings of the national assessment, examining waste generation, policies, key players, and recycling activities in Laos’ 17 provinces, while the sub-national assessments focused on four specific towns and districts.
Mr Sounadeth said “Accurate data and thorough studies are essential for effective waste management. As the Department of Planning and Finance develops the Environment Chapter of the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, the assessments will play a vital role in strengthening the infrastructure and green growth needs of our cities, ensuring the adoption of best practices and investment opportunities nationwide.”
From November 2023 to August 2024, staff from MONRE and GGGI visited Vientiane, Paek district in Xieng Khuang province, Xamneua district in Huaphan province, and Pakxan district in Borikhamxay province.
These visits involved engaging with local stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and the private sector, to gather accurate data on waste management practices. The study revealed that each of the three districts generates approximately 50-55 tons of waste per day with less than 7 percent being recovered or recycled.
The National Waste Management Assessment began in March 2024 with data collected from the Vientiane administration and the 17 provincial governments, aiming to understand regulation enforcement, waste management practices, and the state of waste generation, collection, transportation, recovery and disposal infrastructure so as to ensure alignment with regulations and policies and assess possible investment needs.
Mr Fraser said “These assessments provide a foundation upon which we can build investment opportunities to strengthen Laos’ solid waste management infrastructure and systems.” 
“In particular, accurate data and information are vital for the investment origination process, as well as subsequent project financing,” he added.
The workshop gathered participants from Paek, Xamneua and Pakxan districts and representatives of line ministries, development partners, academia and the private sector.
It provided a platform for the government to present the comprehensive assessments, engender fruitful discussions, and enable stakeholders to identify challenges, policy gaps, and investment opportunities to enhance circular economy solutions.
The assessments highlighted the waste management status, challenges, and opportunities in small towns, which have often been overlooked in previous studies.
These insights will contribute to developing sustainable waste management policies, strategies and investment opportunities for Laos in line with ASEAN’s Circular Economy framework and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint.
The assessments are part of a broader ASEAN initiative involving six countries, which will inform the ASEAN Waste Management and Circular Economy Strategy and highlight investment opportunities under the ASEAN-Korean Cooperation Fund in Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management for Environmentally Sustainable Cities, with the goal of sourcing US$250 million in green investments.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update September 3, 2024)