Laos currently has 26 forest conservation areas, of which six have been designated National Parks, which means they are more closely managed, such as the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park. – Vientiane Times
VIENTIANE: The government last week approved a management plan and the provision of sustainable funding for forest conservation areas, to ensure the replacement of biodiversity so that there is no net loss due to the misuse of these areas.
The plan was approved under the Decree on Forest Conservation Areas, which was revised in June 2023.
The management plan is a reference guide for all entities concerned with forest conservation areas, such as the government, development partners, individuals, non-governmental organisations, social organisations, academics and local communities, who will all play an important role in implementing the plan, according to the Pasaxon Daily newspaper.
Director General of the Forest Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Somvang Phimmavong, said the sustainable management and funding plan for forest conservation areas will be rolled out over three years and will implement new policies related to these areas in the hope of achieving real results.
The plan will lay out a framework that includes the expected results, activities, and the necessary budget, he added.
The sustainable management and funding plan for forest conservation areas responds to priority goals such as empowering forest authorities to participate more in the protection and development of these areas, as well as supporting village-related forestry development by defining areas of use and clearly spelling out the rights associated with the use of forest conservation areas, Somvang said.
The plan aims to ensure the use of appropriate methods to restore biodiversity to previous levels, such as proper measures to reduce the impact of development projects and other activities that use forest conservation areas, so that biodiversity and ecosystems are affected as little as possible.
The initiative will also facilitate businesses operating in line with conservation goals, improve the investment environment for companies that support forestry activities, and ensure that businesses fully comply with laws and agreed plans.
In addition, the plan will attract sustainable funding for forest conservation areas, including the implementation of a variety of strategies to enhance access to funding sources and the stability of funding sources, and financial mechanisms to provide and use funds effectively.
Laos currently has 26 forest conservation areas, of which six have been designated National Parks, which means they are more closely managed, such as the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park.
These areas are home to rich biodiversity and rare and endangered species of local wildlife and flora.
Laos’ biodiversity is under threat due to climate change, the illegal wildlife trade, hunting and illegal poaching, coupled with a high rate of deforestation which has resulted in the isolation and loss of wildlife habitats. – Vientiane Times/ANN
