SEPON DISTRICT, SAVANNAKHET, LAO PDR – March 2, 2026 – Today, local government authorities, the Department of Water Resources, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) gathered in Sepon District for a pivotal Consultation Meeting on the implementation of Community Conservation Agreements (CCAs). The workshop marks a significant milestone in the final year of the Integrated Water Resources Management and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (IWRM-EbA) project in the Xe Bang Hieng River Basin.

Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the UNDP in partnership with the Department of Water Resources, the project aims to increase the climate resilience of communities vulnerable to floods and droughts. Today’s workshop brought together 35 key stakeholders to review the progress of CCAs across five target villages: Keng Houa Pa and Keng Tha Mea (Sepon District), Savu and Tang Alai Neua (Nong District), and Meuang Hong (Xonnaboury District).

Delivering Tangible Livelihood and Climate Resilience Results A major focus of the workshop was highlighting the concrete livelihood improvements already taking root in the CCA villages. To date, the project has successfully rolled out several vital climate-resilient agriculture initiatives, including the distribution of high-yield Thadokham rice varieties to local farmers.
Furthermore, the establishment of greenhouse vegetable farming now provides entire villages with a reliable source of daily food and supplemental income. Importantly, these greenhouses serve as a crucial buffer to ensure sustained food security during the heavy rainy season and periods of severe flooding.

During his opening remarks, Mr. Hiroki Maruno, UNDP Representative and Co-Chair of the workshop, emphasized this critical link between environmental restoration and community prosperity:
"The main objective of the Community Conservation Agreements is to introduce alternative and enhanced livelihood opportunities that are closely linked to the conservation and restoration of partly or severely degraded forests, while also engaging communities to enhance their resilience to climate change," stated Mr. Maruno.

Echoing this sentiment, the Chairman of the Sepon District Administrative Committee, who co-chaired the event, highlighted the collaborative nature of environmental protection:
"Ecosystem conservation is not the duty of any single party alone, but rather a shared responsibility," the Chairman noted. "With the active participation of all present today, we will be able to draw valuable lessons and find effective solutions to any outstanding issues."

Amplifying Community Voices and Future Planning Crucially, this consultation process deeply values local perspectives. CCA Representatives and members of the Women’s Union actively joined the workshop to present their on-the-ground reports and directly propose future activities, ensuring that interventions align with the true needs of the community. Following these discussions and comprehensive surveys conducted across all target villages, CCA experts have outlined the next phase of community interventions to be finalized. Upcoming activities will focus on advancing sustainable farming by providing additional vegetable seeds and hands-on training for producing organic fertilizer. To further diversify income, the project will also introduce broom grass production for cleaning households and generating alternative revenue streams, fully supporting the daily needs of the community.

Primary Objectives and Conclusion The workshop's primary objectives and key talking points centered on three main areas. First, participants reviewed the progress and past implementation results of the CCAs in the five target villages. Second, the meeting facilitated a vital knowledge exchange, allowing stakeholders to share lessons learned, including facilitating factors, on-the-ground challenges, and direct feedback from local sectors. Finally, the group focused on future planning by determining actionable directions to guarantee the sustainability of community ecosystem conservation and maximize long-term benefits for local populations.

In conclusion, the consultation meeting underscored the strong, continued commitment of the Lao PDR government, local communities, and international partners to safeguard the Xe Bang Hieng River Basin's ecosystems. UNDP is committed to shaping a more resilient and prosperous future for Lao PDR by laying the groundwork for meaningful, lasting development. Every dollar invested acts as a catalyst, turning bold ideas into tangible, self-sustaining solutions that empower communities, strengthen livelihoods, and drive long-term growth. This commitment goes beyond immediate impact. It builds the momentum for broader support, unlocking new opportunities, the systems, and capacities needed to ensure progress continues well beyond the project's lifespan.

Written and Communication by:
Phouphet Chittaphone
Database Management and Communication Officer
IWRM-EbA Project, DWR, MAE
Tel: +8562058562532
Email: [email protected]