Visaphone Inthilath and Dagmar Zwebe display the signed copies of the agreement for the NATURA Project at an event in Vientiane. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: A US$6.5 million project funded by New Zealand aims to restore wetland ecosystems in Vientiane, reducing flood risks and strengthening climate resilience through nature-based solutions.
The Department of Housing and Urban Planning under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has signed an agreement with the Global Green Growth Institute to implement Phase 1 of the Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Adaptation (NATURA) Project.
The five-year initiative covering 2024-2029 seeks to integrate wetland restoration into urban planning to improve flood control, enhance biodiversity and support local communities.
The ceremony for signing the agreement on Wednesday (March 12) was attended by the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), Saysongkham Manodham, the Acting Director General of the Department of Housing and Urban Planning, Visaphone Inthilath, and the Country Representative of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Laos, Dagmar Zwebe.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Vientiane authorities.
The first phase of the project will focus on the restoration of Nong Loup Ian wetland in Sikhottabong district, with data collection also covering the Nam Ping River, which is expected to be restored in the second phase.
The project aims to integrate nature-based solutions into urban planning to improve flood control, enhance biodiversity and support local communities.
The agreement follows initial consultations in February 2024 between the Global Green Growth Institute and government agencies.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment approved the project last July and designated the Department of Housing and Urban Planning as the main government partner.
The partnership was moved towards signing of an official MoU between MPWT and GGGI, ensuring strong institutional support and clear governance for project execution.
Nature-based solutions offer a cost-effective way to manage urban floods, but the approach is still new in Laos.
Raising awareness and strengthening capacity among local stakeholders will be crucial for success, officials said.
By integrating these solutions into policies and strengthening institutional capacity, the project supports Laos’ goals for climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban development.
The initiative is expected to set a benchmark for using nature-based solutions in urban planning, ensuring cities are better prepared for climate change. - Vientiane Times/ANN
