Representatives of the National University of Laos and CARE International Lao PDR sign an agreement on an environmental project in Sangthong district.

National University of Laos, CARE International sign MOU to launch Sangthong Green District Model project
 
The Ministry of Education and Sports, represented by the National University of Laos, and CARE International in the Lao PDR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Vientiane on March 26 to launch the Sangthong Green District Model project.
Funded by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Biodiversity through CARE Luxembourg, the initiative is scheduled to run from its date of approval through March 30, 2029.
The partnership establishes a strategic framework to transform Sangthong district into a leader of sustainable environmental conservation and climate resilience.
The project addresses critical environmental challenges in Laos, where forest cover has historically declined and climate-related disasters like floods and droughts increasingly threaten local livelihoods.
Sangthong district has been identified as a high-risk area, with over 50 percent of the region vulnerable to large-scale forest fires. Recent data highlights the urgency of this intervention, noting that 2,337 hectares of rubber plantations were recently destroyed by fires and nine villages were severely impacted by flooding in 2024.
The Sangthong Green District Model project aims to enhance climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management in the district by strengthening local governance and empowering communities, particularly women.
Key initiatives include developing a district-wide climate change strategy and forest fire prevention systems, alongside restoring degraded forests in partnership with the Faculty of Forestry Science.
“It is an initiative that aims to combine sustainable forest management with community-led climate adaptation,” said Country Director for CARE International in the Lao PDR, Ms Keoamphone Souvannaphoum.
“By prioritising the empowerment of women through capacity building and new income opportunities, we ensure that the most vulnerable members of the community have the tools they need to build long-term resilience against environmental challenges.”
Representing the National University of Laos, Vice President Assoc. Prof. Dr Sinthavone Daravong said: “This collaboration represents a crucial step towards enhancing our national capacity for environmental protection and sustainable development.”
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this demonstration model will have on the people of Sangthong and how it can serve as a successful template for other districts across the country.”
The Sangthong Green District Model project will focus on supporting sustainable forest management, enhancing community adaptive capacities, and establishing a permanent demonstration site.
Implementation will take place across five villages in Sangthong district: Nongboua, Yainachaleun, Nasaonang, Haytay, and Napor. These communities represent a diverse population of over 4,800 individuals who will benefit from protected ecosystems and improved socio-economic stability.
CARE works globally to end poverty and achieve social justice. In the Lao PDR, CARE partners with communities, government agencies, and civil society to empower vulnerable populations, especially women and girls, through inclusive development and resilience-building.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update March 27, 2026)