VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (pic) has called for stronger measures to improve waste management, urging the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable alternatives.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr Sonexay said pollution remains a serious concern, requiring clear action and measurable progress.
He stressed the need to cut single-use plastics, introduce effective waste disposal systems, and encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The ministry must work with other sectors to improve coordination and ensure proper waste management nationwide, he said. Raising public awareness is also key to encouraging greater participation in environmental protection.
He urged authorities to launch nationwide campaigns, involving schools, businesses, and local communities, to educate people about the impact of waste on health and the environment along with better enforcing waste disposal regulations and penalties for violations.
He noted that urban centres are particularly affected by waste mismanagement, urging municipal authorities to improve waste collection services and invest in recycling infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also called for tighter controls on air pollution, including smog and forest fires, after many parts of the country recorded unhealthy air quality in recent days.
Addressing broader environmental issues, he highlighted the importance of climate change adaptation and strengthening Laos’ ability to access international climate funds.
He called for continued efforts to implement international agreements, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and stressed the importance of incorporating climate resilience measures into national development plans.
The government is also promoting carbon credit trading, particularly in the forestry and clean energy sectors, to generate revenue while protecting the environment.
The Prime Minister encouraged businesses and investors to participate in carbon offset programmes, which will contribute to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Effective clean water management and preventing the pollution of water sources remain a priority, he said, with the ministry tasked with improving wastewater treatment and safeguarding riparian forests.
He called for stricter regulations on industrial waste discharge and the construction of more modern water treatment facilities to protect public health and biodiversity.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the need for effective land reforms to support sustainable development. He urged the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to accelerate land registration and title issuance, targeting 300,000 land plots by 2025.
The government is also implementing the national land allocation master plan, which aims to reserve 70 percent of land for conservation and allocate 30 percent for development.
He called for stricter enforcement of land use regulations and improved coordination with local authorities to prevent illegal land encroachment and disputes.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of modernising land management systems, developing a comprehensive land database, and ensuring transparency in land transactions.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need to review and reassess state land lease and concession projects, warning that projects failing to comply with land use obligations could face penalties, including revocation of land rights.
The Prime Minister urged all sectors to take their environmental responsibilities seriously, saying stronger action is needed to protect natural resources and ensure sustainable development.
He emphasised that Laos must balance economic progress with environmental conservation to secure a healthier future for its people. - Vientiane Times/ANN
