Image
Language
Language 1
Region
Region 1
Focal Areas
Focal Area 1
Date
Small Description
Savannakhet, Lao PDR – From 28–29 May 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), through the Department of Water Resources (DWR), in partnership with UNDP, officially handed over solar-powered water pump systems to communities in Phiaka and Nachanyai villages. The systems, delivered under the GEF-funded IWRM-EbA project, aim to improve climate resilience and water security in drought-prone areas. The ceremony, attended by 129 stakeholders, marked a milestone in empowering local communities with sustainable water solutions that support agriculture, livestock, and household needs—especially during dry seasons
Share:
UNDP Hands Over Solar-Powered Pumps to Boost Climate Resilience in Champhone and Xonnabouly Districts
Full Description
Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR – In an effort to strengthen climate resilience and enhance water security, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), through its Department of Water Resources (DWR), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held a formal handover ceremony of solar-powered water pump systems to communities in Phiaka Village, Champhone District, and Nachanyai Village, Xonnabouly District from 28–29 May 2025.
The handover ceremony officiated by the Director General of DWR brought together 129 participants, including district governors, provincial authorities, local community leaders, technical staff and UNDP representatives. The event marked a milestone for the Integrated Water Resources Management and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (IWRM-EbA) project, funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP in disaster-prone areas of Xe Bang Hieng River Basin. “This ceremony is not just symbolic—it is a tangible demonstration of our joint commitment to safeguarding livelihoods, strengthening adaptive capacity, and empowering communities,” said Mr. Oudomsack Philavong, Director General of DWR. “By delivering solar pump systems, we are equipping families with the means to sustain agriculture, raise livestock, and support family well-being—especially during dry seasons.”
The two targeted villages—Phiaka and Nachanyai—were identified through participatory vulnerability assessments and stakeholder consultations. Both villages have been experiencing increasing water shortages, seasonal drought, and increased climate pressure in agriculture and livelihoods. The installed solar-powered pumping systems aim to resolve the challenges by providing a sustainable, low-cost water supply for domestic use, livestock, and small-scale farming, especially during dry seasons. Unlike traditional diesel pumps or electric-powered systems, solar pumps harness renewable energy from the sun, reducing operational costs and dependence on fossil fuels. This aligns with national and global priorities on climate action, energy transition, and carbon reduction.
Each system was designed to be technically efficient and community-owned. During the implementation phase, local water management groups were trained in installation, daily operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. The communities are now fully equipped to oversee the management and upkeep of the systems independently, ensuring long-term functionality and ownership. The handover ceremony highlighted a well-coordinated partnership between DWR, UNDP, Savannakhet Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment (PONRE), District Agriculture and Forestry Offices (DAFO), and village administrations. Remarks were delivered by key stakeholders, including UNDP and district governors, all reinforcing the importance of collective action in adapting to climate risks.
“Today we celebrate a milestone for community resilience. The solar pumps are not just infrastructure—they are life-changing investments. They help reduce time spent collecting water, increase agricultural productivity, and ensure that families have the resources to adapt to future droughts,” said IWRM Project Coordinator Mr. Phingsaliao Sithiengtham . On the occasion, District Governors of Champhone and Xonnabouly districts presented certificates of appreciation to UNDP and DWR. The IWRM-EbA project, currently implemented across Savannakhet and Luang Prabang provinces, serves as a national model for ecosystem-based adaptation development and inclusive environmental governance. The success of the solar pump handovers has generated interest in replicating the model in other drought-prone districts.
“The goal is not only to respond to today’s water needs but also to anticipate tomorrow’s challenges,” said Adam Starr, Team Leader of Environmental Unit. “We are working to ensure that this success is scaled up—one village at a time.” The Department of Water Resources, in collaboration with UNDP, plans to continue engaging with local communities, collecting feedback on the system’s performance, and identifying further opportunities for investment in rural water resilience.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Phouphet Chittaphone
Database Management and Communication Officer, IWRM-EbA Project
Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental
Email: [email protected]
The handover ceremony officiated by the Director General of DWR brought together 129 participants, including district governors, provincial authorities, local community leaders, technical staff and UNDP representatives. The event marked a milestone for the Integrated Water Resources Management and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (IWRM-EbA) project, funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP in disaster-prone areas of Xe Bang Hieng River Basin. “This ceremony is not just symbolic—it is a tangible demonstration of our joint commitment to safeguarding livelihoods, strengthening adaptive capacity, and empowering communities,” said Mr. Oudomsack Philavong, Director General of DWR. “By delivering solar pump systems, we are equipping families with the means to sustain agriculture, raise livestock, and support family well-being—especially during dry seasons.”
The two targeted villages—Phiaka and Nachanyai—were identified through participatory vulnerability assessments and stakeholder consultations. Both villages have been experiencing increasing water shortages, seasonal drought, and increased climate pressure in agriculture and livelihoods. The installed solar-powered pumping systems aim to resolve the challenges by providing a sustainable, low-cost water supply for domestic use, livestock, and small-scale farming, especially during dry seasons. Unlike traditional diesel pumps or electric-powered systems, solar pumps harness renewable energy from the sun, reducing operational costs and dependence on fossil fuels. This aligns with national and global priorities on climate action, energy transition, and carbon reduction.
Each system was designed to be technically efficient and community-owned. During the implementation phase, local water management groups were trained in installation, daily operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. The communities are now fully equipped to oversee the management and upkeep of the systems independently, ensuring long-term functionality and ownership. The handover ceremony highlighted a well-coordinated partnership between DWR, UNDP, Savannakhet Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment (PONRE), District Agriculture and Forestry Offices (DAFO), and village administrations. Remarks were delivered by key stakeholders, including UNDP and district governors, all reinforcing the importance of collective action in adapting to climate risks.
“Today we celebrate a milestone for community resilience. The solar pumps are not just infrastructure—they are life-changing investments. They help reduce time spent collecting water, increase agricultural productivity, and ensure that families have the resources to adapt to future droughts,” said IWRM Project Coordinator Mr. Phingsaliao Sithiengtham . On the occasion, District Governors of Champhone and Xonnabouly districts presented certificates of appreciation to UNDP and DWR. The IWRM-EbA project, currently implemented across Savannakhet and Luang Prabang provinces, serves as a national model for ecosystem-based adaptation development and inclusive environmental governance. The success of the solar pump handovers has generated interest in replicating the model in other drought-prone districts.
“The goal is not only to respond to today’s water needs but also to anticipate tomorrow’s challenges,” said Adam Starr, Team Leader of Environmental Unit. “We are working to ensure that this success is scaled up—one village at a time.” The Department of Water Resources, in collaboration with UNDP, plans to continue engaging with local communities, collecting feedback on the system’s performance, and identifying further opportunities for investment in rural water resilience.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Phouphet Chittaphone
Database Management and Communication Officer, IWRM-EbA Project
Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental
Email: [email protected]