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From May 14 - 16, 2025, over 270 participants gathered in LuangPrabang for a multi-stakeholder workshop aimed at strengthening climate resilience and wetland conservation through ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA). Organized under the IWRM-EbA project by UNDP, GEF-LDCF, and MONRE, and in partnership with GRET and LCG, the event featured technical sessions, youth activities, and site visits, fostering inclusive dialogue and community-driven action for a sustainable future.
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Luang Prabang Workshop Strengthens Climate Resilience and Wetland Conservation through Ecosystem-Based Solutions
Full Description
Luang Prabang, Lao PDR – May 14, 2025
From May 14 - 16, 2025, Luang Prabang is hosting a high-impact, multi-stakeholder awareness-raising workshop to build climate resilience and promote wetland conservation through nature-based and ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) strategies. The workshop is organized under the Integrated Water Resources Management and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in the Xe Bang Hieng River Basin and Luang Prabang City project, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility – Least Developed Countries Fund (GEF-LDCF), and implemented by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE).
The event brings together more than 270 students as participants, representing a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, youth, and local community representatives. Through this collaborative effort, the workshop aims to promote inclusive dialogue, strengthen knowledge, and encourage practical actions toward building climate resilience in Luang Prabang, particularly by protecting and restoring vital wetland ecosystems.
This awareness campaign is conducted in close partnership with GRET’s Wetland Improvement and Sanitation Enhancement (WISE) project and the Lao Consulting Group (LCG). The joint effort demonstrates the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in tackling complex climate and environmental challenges. The program is hosted across various key venues in Luang Prabang, including Souphanouvong University, Santiphab High School, and Pongkham High School, strategically engaging youth and educators as well as local institutions in the sustainability dialogue.
The opening day featured technical sessions on the escalating climate risks facing the region, with a particular focus on floods, droughts, and their impacts on urban and natural systems. These sessions provided participants with a deeper understanding of how EbA approaches can reduce vulnerabilities by working with nature, rather than against it. An interactive highlight was the “Climate Fresco” activity, a visual and participatory tool designed to help participants understand the causes and effects of climate change. This was followed by a compelling presentation from Mano Village’s Wetland Management Committee, which showcased successful community-led wetland restoration efforts. This local case study served as a model for how collective stewardship and traditional knowledge can complement scientific and technical approaches to ecosystem protection. In addition, breakout group discussions enabled participants to collaboratively develop a shared vision for a climate-resilient Luang Prabang, identifying priority actions and partnership opportunities that could be implemented at the local level.
Recognizing the pivotal role of youth in climate action, the workshop placed a strong emphasis on interactive learning and engagement. Over 200 students participated in specially designed “climate learning zones” featuring art contests, exhibitions, environmental games, tree planting activities, and a guided educational visit to the restored Pond 70 wetland site. These hands-on experiences not only deepened their environmental awareness but also empowered them to become active change agents in their communities. The Pond 70 site visit served as a real-life demonstration of how degraded wetlands can be revived to deliver co-benefits for biodiversity, water management, and community livelihoods. Students and village representatives alike left inspired, expressing their commitment to contributing to future restoration efforts and sustainability campaigns in their own areas.
The workshop was officially opened by Mr. Phonexay Simmalavong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Water Resources. In his remarks, he emphasized the critical importance of collective ownership and proactive participation in addressing climate change. He highlighted that “climate action is not the responsibility of one agency or one group, but of everyone—government, communities, youth, and partners working hand in hand.”
He extended his sincere appreciation to UNDP, GEF, DWR, GRET, LCG, and all partners for their dedication and coordination, and officially declared the event open, wishing all participants success in their learning and contributions to a more sustainable future.
The Luang Prabang workshop is a significant milestone in the project’s broader strategy to integrate ecosystem-based adaptation into urban planning, water governance, and community-based environmental management. It reinforces the need for multi-level action-from national policymakers to village leaders and students—in building a resilient and climate-smart future for the region.
As the five-day program progresses, and participants return to their schools, offices, and communities, the shared knowledge, skills, and inspiration cultivated through this event will contribute to long-term, inclusive environmental action in Luang Prabang and beyond.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Phouphet Chittaphone
Database Management and Communication Officer, IWRM-EbA Project
Email: [email protected]
From May 14 - 16, 2025, Luang Prabang is hosting a high-impact, multi-stakeholder awareness-raising workshop to build climate resilience and promote wetland conservation through nature-based and ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) strategies. The workshop is organized under the Integrated Water Resources Management and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in the Xe Bang Hieng River Basin and Luang Prabang City project, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility – Least Developed Countries Fund (GEF-LDCF), and implemented by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE).
The event brings together more than 270 students as participants, representing a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, youth, and local community representatives. Through this collaborative effort, the workshop aims to promote inclusive dialogue, strengthen knowledge, and encourage practical actions toward building climate resilience in Luang Prabang, particularly by protecting and restoring vital wetland ecosystems.
This awareness campaign is conducted in close partnership with GRET’s Wetland Improvement and Sanitation Enhancement (WISE) project and the Lao Consulting Group (LCG). The joint effort demonstrates the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in tackling complex climate and environmental challenges. The program is hosted across various key venues in Luang Prabang, including Souphanouvong University, Santiphab High School, and Pongkham High School, strategically engaging youth and educators as well as local institutions in the sustainability dialogue.
The opening day featured technical sessions on the escalating climate risks facing the region, with a particular focus on floods, droughts, and their impacts on urban and natural systems. These sessions provided participants with a deeper understanding of how EbA approaches can reduce vulnerabilities by working with nature, rather than against it. An interactive highlight was the “Climate Fresco” activity, a visual and participatory tool designed to help participants understand the causes and effects of climate change. This was followed by a compelling presentation from Mano Village’s Wetland Management Committee, which showcased successful community-led wetland restoration efforts. This local case study served as a model for how collective stewardship and traditional knowledge can complement scientific and technical approaches to ecosystem protection. In addition, breakout group discussions enabled participants to collaboratively develop a shared vision for a climate-resilient Luang Prabang, identifying priority actions and partnership opportunities that could be implemented at the local level.
Recognizing the pivotal role of youth in climate action, the workshop placed a strong emphasis on interactive learning and engagement. Over 200 students participated in specially designed “climate learning zones” featuring art contests, exhibitions, environmental games, tree planting activities, and a guided educational visit to the restored Pond 70 wetland site. These hands-on experiences not only deepened their environmental awareness but also empowered them to become active change agents in their communities. The Pond 70 site visit served as a real-life demonstration of how degraded wetlands can be revived to deliver co-benefits for biodiversity, water management, and community livelihoods. Students and village representatives alike left inspired, expressing their commitment to contributing to future restoration efforts and sustainability campaigns in their own areas.
The workshop was officially opened by Mr. Phonexay Simmalavong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Water Resources. In his remarks, he emphasized the critical importance of collective ownership and proactive participation in addressing climate change. He highlighted that “climate action is not the responsibility of one agency or one group, but of everyone—government, communities, youth, and partners working hand in hand.”
He extended his sincere appreciation to UNDP, GEF, DWR, GRET, LCG, and all partners for their dedication and coordination, and officially declared the event open, wishing all participants success in their learning and contributions to a more sustainable future.
The Luang Prabang workshop is a significant milestone in the project’s broader strategy to integrate ecosystem-based adaptation into urban planning, water governance, and community-based environmental management. It reinforces the need for multi-level action-from national policymakers to village leaders and students—in building a resilient and climate-smart future for the region.
As the five-day program progresses, and participants return to their schools, offices, and communities, the shared knowledge, skills, and inspiration cultivated through this event will contribute to long-term, inclusive environmental action in Luang Prabang and beyond.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Phouphet Chittaphone
Database Management and Communication Officer, IWRM-EbA Project
Email: [email protected]