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Savannakhet Province, 04 July 2025 — The Integrated Water Resource Management and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (IWRM-EbA) Project held its Mid-Year Project Board Meeting in Savannakhet Province, gathering over 60 representatives from government, UNDP, and development partners. The meeting reviewed progress on climate-resilient water and land management, discussed challenges, and set priorities for the second half of 2025. Key highlights included updates on ecosystem restoration, local capacity building, and small-scale climate infrastructure. The event featured opening remarks from high-level officials, a symbolic equipment handover, and a field visit to observe community-based activities, reaffirming the project's commitment to inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable development in Lao PDR.
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5th Project Board Meeting of the IWRM-EbA Project to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Lao PDR
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Department of Natural Resources and Environmental of Savannakhet Province, Savannakhet Province, 04 July 2025
The Integrated Water Resource Management and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (IWRM-EbA) Project convened its mid-year Project Board Meeting in Savannakhet Province today. Organized by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (formerly Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the meeting brought together over 60 participants representing national ministries, provincial authorities, development partners, and technical staff. The gathering aimed to review project progress, discuss implementation challenges, and define strategic priorities for the remainder of the year.
The meeting opened with remarks from high-level dignitaries, including the Vice Governors of Savannakhet and Luang Prabang Provinces, H.E. Mr. Chanthanet Boualapha, Vice Minister of MONRE, and Ms. Martine Therer, UNDP Resident Representative to Lao PDR. These remarks highlighted the critical importance of climate-resilient water resource management, ecosystem-based adaptation and the value of inter-sectoral collaboration in achieving the country’s sustainable development goals. Speakers emphasized that integrated approaches are essential to address the increasing risks posed by climate change, especially in vulnerable regions like the Xe Bang Hieng River Basin and Luang Prabang City.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Chanthanet Boualapha commended the progress made by the project and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing natural resource governance in the context of climate change. “The IWRM-EbA project reflects our national priorities and strengthens the foundation for sustainable water and land management in our most vulnerable regions. We must continue to work together to ensure that the benefits of these efforts reach our communities he stated.
Ms. Martine Therer, UNDP Resident Representative, highlighted the strong partnership between MONRE and UNDP and emphasized the role of integrated and ecosystem-based solutions in achieving climate resilience. “Water is at the heart of sustainable development. Through this project, we are seeing how evidence-based planning, community engagement, and ecosystem restoration can jointly address both development and environmental challenges,” she said.. She also emphasized that climate adaptation and resilience are not abstract goals, but practical necessities that require inclusive and responsive approaches tailored to local realities.
According to the presentation by Ms. Siliphone Souphanthong, Vice Governor of Luang Prabang said that: “The IWRM-EbA project has been implemented in alignment with national water resource management policies and strategies. It also supports the socio-economic development plans at the provincial, city, and sectoral levels. The project contributes to the promotion and implementation of relevant policies, strategies, plans, laws, and regulations aimed at ensuring the sustainable, sufficient, efficient, and effective use of water resources. These efforts are intended to improve the livelihoods of people from all ethnic groups and help mitigate potential socio-economic impacts in the future”
The IWRM-EbA Project, launched to enhance the climate resilience of communities through integrated land and water management, has made significant strides in its implementation. During the meeting, the Project Manager presented a detailed report on key achievements during the first half of 2025. This included updates on ecosystem restoration efforts, capacity building for local authorities, the development of water governance plans, and the construction of small-scale climate-resilient infrastructure. Financial and procurement progress was also reported, underscoring transparency, accountability, and effective use of resources.
Provincial teams from Savannakhet and Luang Prabang shared their own presentations, which provided insights into localized activities and stakeholder engagement at the community level. A separate presentation on quality assurance, delivered by UNDP Programme Analyst Mr. Thome Xaisongkham, focused on monitoring mechanisms and adaptive management strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of project interventions.
A symbolic handover of equipment was conducted to mark the project's continued support to provincial and district implementation teams. The ceremony, followed by a group photo session, underscored the collaborative spirit of the initiative and its tangible contributions to field operations. In the afternoon, participants visited Phiaka and Dongmeuang villages in Champhone District to observe on the ground project activities and interact with local beneficiaries. The site visit provided valuable opportunities for feedback and reflection, helping to link policy decisions with field realities.
Mr. Singthong Phanthamala, Project Manager at the Department of Water Resources, expressed appreciation for the continued support from national and international partners. He reiterated the project's commitment to strengthening coordination, addressing emerging risks, and delivering concrete results. UNDP’s representative emphasized the importance of investing in nature-based solutions and inclusive governance to address complex environmental challenges.
As the project enters the second half of 2025, the strategic guidance and recommendations provided by the Project Board will help fine-tune implementation. Key directions include reinforcing coordination across implementing agencies, applying risk mitigation measures, and adjusting the work plan and budget to improve effectiveness. The Project Board Meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of all stakeholders to work together toward a more resilient, equitable, and climate-adaptive future for Lao PDR.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Phouphet Chittaphone
Database and Communication Officer, IWRM-EbA Project
Department of Water Resources, MAE
Email: [email protected] Tel: +8562058562532
The Integrated Water Resource Management and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (IWRM-EbA) Project convened its mid-year Project Board Meeting in Savannakhet Province today. Organized by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (formerly Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the meeting brought together over 60 participants representing national ministries, provincial authorities, development partners, and technical staff. The gathering aimed to review project progress, discuss implementation challenges, and define strategic priorities for the remainder of the year.
The meeting opened with remarks from high-level dignitaries, including the Vice Governors of Savannakhet and Luang Prabang Provinces, H.E. Mr. Chanthanet Boualapha, Vice Minister of MONRE, and Ms. Martine Therer, UNDP Resident Representative to Lao PDR. These remarks highlighted the critical importance of climate-resilient water resource management, ecosystem-based adaptation and the value of inter-sectoral collaboration in achieving the country’s sustainable development goals. Speakers emphasized that integrated approaches are essential to address the increasing risks posed by climate change, especially in vulnerable regions like the Xe Bang Hieng River Basin and Luang Prabang City.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Chanthanet Boualapha commended the progress made by the project and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing natural resource governance in the context of climate change. “The IWRM-EbA project reflects our national priorities and strengthens the foundation for sustainable water and land management in our most vulnerable regions. We must continue to work together to ensure that the benefits of these efforts reach our communities he stated.
Ms. Martine Therer, UNDP Resident Representative, highlighted the strong partnership between MONRE and UNDP and emphasized the role of integrated and ecosystem-based solutions in achieving climate resilience. “Water is at the heart of sustainable development. Through this project, we are seeing how evidence-based planning, community engagement, and ecosystem restoration can jointly address both development and environmental challenges,” she said.. She also emphasized that climate adaptation and resilience are not abstract goals, but practical necessities that require inclusive and responsive approaches tailored to local realities.
According to the presentation by Ms. Siliphone Souphanthong, Vice Governor of Luang Prabang said that: “The IWRM-EbA project has been implemented in alignment with national water resource management policies and strategies. It also supports the socio-economic development plans at the provincial, city, and sectoral levels. The project contributes to the promotion and implementation of relevant policies, strategies, plans, laws, and regulations aimed at ensuring the sustainable, sufficient, efficient, and effective use of water resources. These efforts are intended to improve the livelihoods of people from all ethnic groups and help mitigate potential socio-economic impacts in the future”
The IWRM-EbA Project, launched to enhance the climate resilience of communities through integrated land and water management, has made significant strides in its implementation. During the meeting, the Project Manager presented a detailed report on key achievements during the first half of 2025. This included updates on ecosystem restoration efforts, capacity building for local authorities, the development of water governance plans, and the construction of small-scale climate-resilient infrastructure. Financial and procurement progress was also reported, underscoring transparency, accountability, and effective use of resources.
Provincial teams from Savannakhet and Luang Prabang shared their own presentations, which provided insights into localized activities and stakeholder engagement at the community level. A separate presentation on quality assurance, delivered by UNDP Programme Analyst Mr. Thome Xaisongkham, focused on monitoring mechanisms and adaptive management strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of project interventions.
A symbolic handover of equipment was conducted to mark the project's continued support to provincial and district implementation teams. The ceremony, followed by a group photo session, underscored the collaborative spirit of the initiative and its tangible contributions to field operations. In the afternoon, participants visited Phiaka and Dongmeuang villages in Champhone District to observe on the ground project activities and interact with local beneficiaries. The site visit provided valuable opportunities for feedback and reflection, helping to link policy decisions with field realities.
Mr. Singthong Phanthamala, Project Manager at the Department of Water Resources, expressed appreciation for the continued support from national and international partners. He reiterated the project's commitment to strengthening coordination, addressing emerging risks, and delivering concrete results. UNDP’s representative emphasized the importance of investing in nature-based solutions and inclusive governance to address complex environmental challenges.
As the project enters the second half of 2025, the strategic guidance and recommendations provided by the Project Board will help fine-tune implementation. Key directions include reinforcing coordination across implementing agencies, applying risk mitigation measures, and adjusting the work plan and budget to improve effectiveness. The Project Board Meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of all stakeholders to work together toward a more resilient, equitable, and climate-adaptive future for Lao PDR.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Phouphet Chittaphone
Database and Communication Officer, IWRM-EbA Project
Department of Water Resources, MAE
Email: [email protected] Tel: +8562058562532