Lao People's Democratic Republic - Overview

Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

The biodiversity of Lao PDR includes 166 species of reptiles and amphibians, 700 birds, 90 bats and over 247 mammals. The Mekong River and its tributaries alone are reported to contain approximately 500 species of indigenous fish. The country’s economy depends mainly on natural resources, therefore the sustainable use of Lao PDR’s biodiversity may be one of the keys means for poverty reduction in the country... More »

Number and Extent of Protected Areas

The program to establish a national biodiversity conservation system has been active since 1989. Prime Minister’s Decree No4/1993 established 18 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCAs), later increased to 20 plus two corridor areas. The current area totals 3.4 million hectares or 14.3% of the country’s area. In addition, provinces and districts have designated their own conservation areas and protection forests, bringing the overall national total to 5... More »

Percentage of Forest Cover

According to the latest study in late 2002 and early 2003 comparing changes in land use and forest area, the forested area occupies some 71.6% (17 million ha) of the total land area. The study also shows that current forests, which are relatively rich and with canopy density of 20% and more, occupied some 41.5 percent (9... More »

National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Major features of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

The goal of the NBSAP is to maintain biodiversity for poverty alleviation. As such, the main objectives are: to identify important biological diversity components and improve the knowledge base: manage biodiversity on a regional basis, using natural boundaries to facilitate the integration of conservation and utilization-oriented management; plan and implement a biodiversity specific human resource management program; increase public awareness of and encourage participation in sustainable management of biodiversity; adjust and harmonize national legislation and regulations; secure the NBSAP implementation; and promote international cooperation... More »

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

To improve the legal and regulatory framework, Lao PDR will: consider participation in other international conventions (besides the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) and CITES); consider the preparation of a law on biodiversity conservation based on the review of existing National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCA) and other related regulations; and improve wildlife and aquatic life regulations concerning use of wetlands for fish raising and ecotourism... More »

Initiatives in Protected Areas

Management of National Biodiversity Conservation Areas is still at an initial stage. Many of them lack clear boundaries and management plans and resource depletion continues. Illegal harvesting and trade of wildlife and Non Timber Forest Products is also likely widespread. Operational capacity of saw mills is still far above the harvesting levels set by the Government and continues to put pressure on natural forests... More »

Initiatives in Access and Benefit Sharing

Lao PDR is a party to the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Access, and Fair and Equitable sharing of Benefits Arising from the Utilization of, Biological and Genetic Resources. The main obligations of the parties are: (a) taking legislative, administrative or policy measures as appropriate to regulate access to, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of, biological and genetic resources in accordance with this Agreement; (b) establishing procedures for the granting of prior informed consent at the national and local levels with the direct involvement of resource providers; (c) disseminating information on access regulation, and applications for access that have been approved and denied, including the reasons and circumstances for such a denial; and (d) establishing links with, and providing information to the regional clearing house mechanism once it has been established... More »

Initiatives for Article 8(j)

The traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples and of local communities related to the possible use of the biological diversity that surrounds them is an important resource, particularly in the search for new medicines. The Lao PDR has one of the richest biodiversity resources in the Asia-Pacific region. The local people have been applying their own traditional knowledge in their daily lives, and this is a strong basis for sustainable socio-economic development and environmental protection... More »

National Contacts

Full details of national contacts »

Convention on Biological Diversity

Mr. Khamphanh Nanthavong	CBD Primary NFP, CHM NFP
Mr. Bouaphanh Phanthavong	CBD Secondary NFP
Mr. Chaynoy Sisomphane	CHM NFP
Mr. Lamphanh Kommadam	Protected Areas NFP

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Dr. Sourioudong Sundara	Cartagena Protocol Primary NFP
Mrs Viengpasith Vanisaveth	BCH NFP