FAO is working for climate change adaptation in wetland areas of Lao PDR

FAO is working for Climate Adaptation in Wetland Areas of Lao PDR. Lao PDR is intimately associated with one of the world’s major wetlands with the Mekong River system. The Mekong basin covers 88% of the country.

FAO is working for Climate Adaptation in Wetland Areas of Lao PDR.  Lao PDR is intimately associated with one of the world’s major wetlands with the Mekong River system. The Mekong basin covers 88% of the country. 

The project will use an ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) approach, whereby the ability of the wetlands to buffer local people livelihoods against Climate Change impacts will be safeguarded through a combination of improved planning and governance conditions, direct investments in climate change adaptation measures and some activities to strengthen their livelihood.

The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Lessons learned in the two wetlands regarding community-based vulnerability risk assessment and strategies for Climate Change Adaptation, based on principles of EBA and sustainable use will be replicable elsewhere in Lao PDR, the greater Mekong region and beyond.

Focus on three components:

Planning with science & local knowledge: Vulnerability assessments will be conducted involving interviews and meetings. Understanding of Climate Change impacts and risks, to enhance capacities of communities, local and central administrations to design priorities and implement Climate Change Adaptation, promote gender issues and Disaster Management Measures in the two target wetlands.

Implementation of some adaptation measures: Efficient and cost-effective measures to reduce the impact of Climate Change and natural disasters on wetlands eco-systems and/or local livelihoods. Adaptation options will look at land use planning, community and social adaptation, engineering solution, wetland management and diverse Best Practices options to ensure a sustainable livelihood for villagers.

Institutional mechanisms and structure: Integration of Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Management Measures in wetland in local and national planning processes. Best Practices replicated in other wetlands in Lao PDR.