The Biodiversity Conservation

in Lao PDR

by: Inthavy Akkharath

Lao National Mekong Commission Secretariat (LNMC)

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) 1
 INTRODUCTION
LAO PDR :
 Land-link country
(Area: 236,800 km²)
 Bordering with
Cambodia, China
Vietnam, Thailand and
Myanmar.

2
Current Status of Biodiversity in Lao
PDR
There are five larger eco-regions in Indochina,
Four of these Eco-regions occur in the Lao PDR
and its NBCAs:
• Annamite Range Moist Forest;
• Indochina Dry Forest;
• Northern Indochina Sub-tropical Moist
Forests;
• Mekong River and its catchments.

3
 The habitats of high international
significance for conservation in Lao PDR
• Northern Highlands (Representations occur in northern NBCAs
such as Nam Ha, Phou Dene Din, Nam Et and Phou Loey)

• Evergreen Forests of the Annamite Mountains

and foothills (The Annamites proper are represented in the Nakai-
Nam Theun, Xe Sap, and Dong Ampham NBCAs, Annamite foothills are
represented in NBCAs such as Nam Kading)

• Central Indochina Limestone Karst (Similar to the

Annamites, species endemism is high and this habitat is otherwise only
found in Vietnam. It is represented in the Lao PDR in the Phou Hin Poun
and Hin Nam No NBCAs).

• Bolaven Plateau (This massif between the Mekong and the

Annamites in the southern Lao PDR, It occurs only in the Lao PDR, and part
of it is protected in only one gazetted NBCA, Dong Houa Sao)
4
The habitats of high international significance
for conservation in Lao PDR (Cont..)

• Dry Dipterocarp Forests of the Mekong Plains

(Found mainly in areas of low elevation in the southern Lao PDR, This habitat is
best represented in the Xe Pian NBCA)

• Mekong River (The Lao PDR plays a central role in the conservation of
the biodiversity of the Mekong River The Mekong forms the boundary of a NBCA
(Phou Xiang Thong), but at present biodiversity management focuses solely on the
four major forest habitats and not the river)

• Other rivers and streams (Because of the extensive mountainous

topography of the Lao PDR, streams are a common key habitat, A highly
threatened, distinct habitat type are larger, slow moving rivers, such as the Nam
Theun/Nam Kading in central Lao PDR and the Xe Kong and Xe Banhiang in
southern Lao PDR. Very few unaltered stretches of these rivers flow through
protected areas

5
3 Forest Categories
Location in Lao PDR

Conservation Forest 4.7 m. ha

Protection Forest 3.5 m. ha
Production Forest 3.4 m. ha

6
 Forest Conservation System in Lao
PDR
The national Forest conservation program
has been active since 1989 by conducting
of forest conservation project supported by
SIDA in cooperation of IUCN

The National Forest Conservation System

was started in 1993 be PM’s Decree
No.164/PM on establishment of 18 areas,
later on 3 National Protected Areas (1995,
1996 & 2008 respectively).

The establishment of contiguous areas

between three NBCAs as corridors (one
between Nakai-Nam Theun NBCA and
Phou Hinpooun NBCA (73,880 ha), and one
between Nakia-Nam Theun NBCA and Hin
Nam Nor NBCA (3,310ha).
7
 Nam Ha
ASEAN Natural Heritage
Park in 2004.

Trans-boundary
World Natural
Heritage Property
(TWNHP)

Ramsar site
8
 24 NPAs in Lao PDR
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9
 Species Diversity

166 sp = Reptiles
>100 sp = mammals 1,200 sp = fish & Amphibians

>700 sp = Birds

8,000-11,000 sp = Flowering 10
plants
 Important Bird Important Bird areas in Lao PDR
Areas in Lao PDR
• High diversity results from
large number of habitats

• Important bird areas (IBA)

were also identified in Lao PDR.
To date 44 IBAs have been
identified within all the
country’s protected areas for
which ornithological data are
available. There are one or tow
IBAs identified in each NBCA,
except for Nakai-Nam Theun
NBCA, where three IBAs have
been identified.

11
Tiger Conservation Project

The Nam Et and Phou Loey

NBCA are implementing the
Tiger conservation as well as
other communities’
development activities.

12
Elephants Conservation Project (WWF)

13
 Eld’ deer Conservation Project
(DOF AND UNDP-GEF6)

Project site is in
Savannakhet
Province, now a
day implementing
to update
Provincial Eld’
deer sanctuary
level to National
Eld’ deer
sanctuary.

14
 National Biodiversity Conservation
Areas

Crocodile Conservation
Project (WCS)

Project site is in Savannakhet

Province, now a day implementing.
15
 Gibbon Survey Project N. Concolor
(IUCN-FFI) N. Leucogenys

N. Siki

N. Gabriellae

H. Lar
1. Western Black-crested Gibbon
H. Pileatus
2. Northern White-cheeked Gibbon
3. Southern White-cheeked gibbon N. Incertae sedis
4. Yellow-cheeked gibbon
5. White-handed gibbon
6. Pileated gibbon
7. Paled-cheek gibbon ???

16
17
02/11/2017 18
 NBSAP 2016-2025

The Current Situation

National Biodiversity Strategy 2016-2025
National Action Plan

02/11/2017 19
 Assessment of Current Situation
Ecosystem Forest, Agriculture, Aquatic, Urban, Species Diversity
Facts, status, trends
and
Socio-Economic Biodiversity 1. Degree Lossof appreciation of economic value
2. Poverty incidence and resource management
3. Mechanism
1. The 7th & 8th NSEDPfor land use
7. Implementing biodiversity related MEAs
and Conventions
2. MONRE Vision 2030, Strategy 25
Policy & & Action Plan 2016-2020
3. Sector Policies and Strategies
8. Civil Society
9. Private Sector
institutional 4. Legal Framework 10. National, institutional and individual
capacity for BD management
framework 5. Institutional Framework
6. Governance reforms
11. Financing Framework

Lessons &
Good Practices 1. Quick review of NBSAP 1 Targets (All Programs)
of 102/11/2017
st NBSAP 2. The way forward (awareness, human resources, 20the
 NBSAP 2016-2025
Description of Strategy

Visio
n

The people to value

their biodiversity
resources in terms
of immediate and
long term benefits
(globally). Benefits
are sustained
02/11/2017through protection 21
 2 NBSAP must be fully consistent with 3
1 Socio-economic Development Strategy Sustainable use of biodiversity is a
2020 and support targets to maintain key element of livelihood strategies
Protecting biodiversity also means and food security and is best
economic growth, achieve 2030 Agenda
protecting ecological, economic, assured through in situ conservation
for Sustainable Development and
social, cultural and spiritual values efforts, made possible by respecting
associated SDGs, observe sustainable
and aspirations of the people of the and supporting knowledge,
development, and ensure political stability
Lao PDR innovations, and practices of local
and regional and international integration
people who depend on them
NBSAP should guide national
9 actions on enhancing cooperation Conservation and sustainable use of 4
and synergies among biodiversity biodiversity resources requires stakeholder
related conventions that Lao PDR participation and cooperation at local,
is a Party for better impact in national, regional and global levels, and
delivering action on the ground PRINCIPLES also a sharing of knowledge, costs and
benefits

8
6 5
NBSAP must be consistent
7
NBSAP must be science-based
with global Strategic Plan Education and raising of Formulation and and provide a clear link
for Biodiversity 2011-2020 public awareness are implementation of policies and between biodiversity
and the 20 Global Aichi essential in ensuring establishment of a legal conservation and economic
Biodiversity Targets conservation and framework are necessary as development
sustainable use of effective measures against
02/11/2017 biodiversity resources biodiversity depletion 22
 NBSAP 2016-2025
Description of Strategy

Goal ເສີມສັ້ າງບົດບາດ

Enhance the role of ຊີວະນານາໆພນ
biodiversity as a ໃຫັ້ ກາຍເປນ
national heritage and ມໍລະດົກແຫ່ ງ
as a substantial ຊາດ ແລະ ການ
contributor to poverty ປະກອບສ່ ວນສໍາ
alleviation, as well as ຄນ ໃນການລົບ
sustainable and ລັ້ າງຄວາມທຸກ
resilient economic ຍາກ ແລະ ຄຽງຄ່
growth ກບການເຕີບໂຕ
02/11/2017 ທາງດັ້ ານ 23
ເສດຖະກິດ
 NBSAP 2016-2025
Description of Strategy

Objectives:
1. Institutionalize innovative multi-stakeholder
efforts to arrest degradation and enhance
conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity
resources
2. Provide clear and enforceable guidance for
sustainable use of biodiversity resources to
support poverty alleviation and sustainable
economic growth
3. Establish practical mechanisms for ensuring
fair and equitable sharing of benefits from use
of biodiversity resources
02/11/2017 24
 NBSAP 2016-2025
Description of Strategy

Content:
• Target
• Baseline
• Outcome
indicators

All sub-targets
related Aichi Global
Target (19)

02/11/2017
Five key strategies
25
 NBSAP 2016-2025
Description of Strategy
Cross cutting themes: Biodiversity and Climate Change
(CC) & Disaster Risk Management (DRM)

BD

CC DRM

02/11/2017 26
 2
What strategy
Progr ?
9
1 ams,
Fund Policy Syste
Generatio
8 n ms
Coordi and
nation Proce 3
of Type of dures based Area-

Progra 7 Action 4Plans

m Educa
Task Resea
s rch,
tion
and Surve
Com 6 y and
Sharing,
muni- Networkin 5 Knowl
cation Agreemen
g and Traini edge
02/11/2017
t
ngs Based 27
 NBSAP 2016-2025
National Action Plan
5 57Sub 3 6
Strategy 215 38
9
strategi
1 Targets Actions
2 es
Sub
Strategy 4 8
strategi
2 Targets Actions
es
Strategy No Sub 4 9
3 strategy Targets Actions
Strategy No Sub 3 6
4 strategy Targets Actions
Strategy No Sub 3 8
5 strategy Targets Actions
02/11/2017 28
02/11/2017 29
 Summary of Actions and their Prioritizations

Priority 1 Actions Priority 2 Actions

• Usually actions that are • Usually depend on the start of
essential for other actions to Priority 1 Actions
follow • Usually involve major investment
• Usually involve review of and require sufficient planning
specific policy instruments and time
amendment of procedures as • Involve some human capacity
incentive to stakeholders building before start
• Need not depend on huge
external resources to start
• Will be done in the first two
02/11/2017 30
years
 Implementation

How will NBSAP flow?

02/11/2017 31
 Mainstreaming Biodiversity Targets and
Actions to Relevant Sectoral Plans and
Strategies
Process of NBSAP Mainstreaming to National and Provincial Agencies

1st Identify Principles, Concepts and Practices to be

mainstreamed

2nd Identify policies, strategies and programs

to incorporate biodiversity

3rd Determine effective ways in mainstreaming

principles and practices

4th Ensure implementation of NBSAP considers priorities

and interests of relevant biodiversity convention
02/11/2017 32
 Mainstreaming and Synergies at the Local
Level

NBSAP to work with incumbent provincial

authorities, the Ministry of Home Affairs,
MPI-NERI and PACSA

Local authority planners, DONRE, PAFO

staff and local NGOs may constitute task
force with assistance from interested
NGOs
02/11/2017 33
Process in Mainstreaming Streaming
Strategy
Processes for mainstreaming and synergy
Assembling information on economic value of
natural resources and biodiversity
Overlaying information on NRM issues on
economic values
Exposing provincial leaders to good practices
Preparing simple Provincial Strategic Action Plan (PSAP)

Use PSAP to guide sub-plans

Documenting and disseminating successful
practices
Recognizing and publicizing good practices
02/11/2017 34
 Recent trends and recommendations Resource
Mobilization for NBSAP Implementation
• Communication of true value of biodiversity
• The need to clearly define financial requirements
• Financial crisis of donor and the need to tap funding from
internal sources
• Considering various forms of user fees
• Development of guidelines for payment of environmental services
• Declining of donor funding, tapping available fund and the need
to engage SWGs, DPs, & other organizations
• Environmentally sound production practices of private sector:
– Legislation
– Encouragement

02/11/2017 35
 Implementation

Institutional Arrangement

02/11/2017 36
 CBD/NBSAP Institutional Chart
National Environment Committee

CBD NSC Chaired by vice PM:

CBD and CCD MONRE Committee
Members:
DoP DG (CBD & CCD head) > Minister MAF > Minister of MoNRE
DoF DG (CBD & CCD deputy) > Vice of other Mins
NAFRI DG (CBD & CCD deputy) > Vice Mins from some key stakeholders

CBD inter sectoral Chair: CBD NFP (DoF DDG)

CBD secretariat MAF DOP
coordination committee
NAFRI
DoF Deputy DG (CBD NFP) -  DoE
(head)  DoW
DFRC (dep) Science and Tech. Inst.
 DoP of MoP & Invest
 DoP of NLMA
NBSAP Co-ordination and DoP of MoPW
Technical Support Unit DoP of MoM&E
 DoP of MoI & Trad
DFRC head and staff  DoP of LNTA
 TMRI of MoH
 Others

Research and MoNRE Infrastructure MICT Inter. and DFRM

MAF Dep’t, WG MOST WG
Education WG WG WG INGO WG
 DoF, DoA, DEQP BEI
All NAFRI DIP  MEM TDD LBA
DoLF, DoFI, DWR
centers DOEC, DoPC, LNMCs
-DEB TMD IUCN
FFS, FAG, -DEP TMPM LWCA
DALAM ESIA
FNS, FES, Ministry of DDMCC
-DoM WCS
(NUoL)  MPWT WWF
Industry IRNE
 ITM, FDD -DoR FAO
Commerce DOPC
(MoH)
MPI
-941 PKK-  UNDP
PPN WB
-Rural Dev’t ADB
office Others

02/11/2017 Provincial CBD/PPSAP Steering committee 37

 Activities of NBSAP
• We have done on synergies and now gender
mainstreaming
• We are trying to cover our new gender project for
NBSAP

Limited Control Capicity

• Lack of Human Resource-Not enough staffs,
• Inadequate knowledge and skill;
• Lack of equipment and vehicle;
• Financial difficulties.

38
Area of potential support
• Developing a resource mobilization strategy and
practical approaches in identifying financing for
biodiversity and implementing of our NBSAP.
• Capacity for monitoring the NBSAP including
indicators

• Need supporting in developing our project proposal

that could get some financial support (GEF, GCF and
so on) to implementing our NBSAP.

• Our in Laos partners in Lao UNDP, UNEP, IUCN, Lao

Wildlife Association

39
40