The Integrated Water Resources Management and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (IWRM-EbA) Project is implemented nationally by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This project aims to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods in the Xe Bang Hieng River Basin by integrating ecosystem-based adaptation approaches into water resource management and local development planning.

The IWRM-EbA project focuses on restoring degraded forests and watersheds, promoting sustainable land and water use practices, and reducing climate-related risks for vulnerable communities. It also works to strengthen institutional coordination and encourage knowledge sharing among stakeholders. By applying nature-based solutions and engaging local communities, the project builds capacity at multiple levels, helping to ensure that environmental and climate considerations are fully embedded in planning and decision-making processes.

This initiative contributes directly to Lao PDR’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), particularly in the areas of climate action, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. Through community participation, education, and hands-on activities such as tree planting and awareness campaigns, the project fosters a culture of environmental stewardship and supports the long-term vision of a greener, more resilient Lao PDR.