Laos moves closer to meeting conservation goals

Laos has taken a significant step towards achieving its biodiversity conservation goals by hosting the country’s first national dialogue on Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
The event brought together almost 70 participants from government agencies, local and international NGOs, intergovernmental organisations, civil society groups, embassies, academic institutions, and the private sector.
The meeting discussed the role of OECMs in meeting national biodiversity targets and the global 30x30 goal under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).

Co-organised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and WWF, with funding support from GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and co-funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), the event was held under the framework of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership.
Deputy Director General of the Forestry Department, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Prof. Dr Thoumthone Vongvisouk, highlighted the need to look beyond traditional protected areas.
“We must recognise and support the conservation efforts led by communities, the private sector, and local institutions. Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures offer a promising way forward to enhance ecological integrity while improving the livelihoods of our people,” he said.
Deputy Director General of the Environment Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Mr Thevarack Phonekeo, who also serves as the national focal point for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, reaffirmed Laos’ dedication to biodiversity.
“Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures provide a unique opportunity to formalise and scale up the many local conservation initiatives that are already happening on the ground,” he said.
Project Coordinator of the GIZ Global Programme on Global Biodiversity Framework Implementation in Laos, Ms Carolin Frisch, stressed the regional importance of inclusive conservation.

“The richness of biodiversity in Laos, particularly in its community-managed landscapes, presents an opportunity to lead in inclusive conservation in Southeast Asia. Recognising OECMs is not just about numbers; it’s about capturing the true conservation story of the country,” she said.
The workshop aimed to build a shared understanding of OECMs, share practical experiences, and identify potential OECM sites across ecosystems such as forests, karst systems, wetlands, private concessions, and peri-urban areas. Key outcomes of the dialogue included proposals to establish a National Working Group and Secretariat, co-chaired by IUCN and WWF, and involving relevant ministries and institutions such as the Department of Forestry, Department of Environment, Department of Water Resources, Department of Heritage, and the National University of Laos.
Other recommendations were to form theme-based sub-working groups focusing on forests and karst, wetlands and urban green spaces, and private sector sites; develop national guidelines and criteria for OECM recognition; integrate OECMs into the next National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2030); and identify at least five model case studies that reflect key ecosystems and governance types.
Participants also recommended organising study visits and training for stakeholders with limited experience in conservation and establishing a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting system to support national planning and global reporting under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Sustainable Development Goals.
“IUCN supports countries across Asia in achieving KM-GBF Target 3 by facilitating national dialogues on OECMs, offering technical guidance, and strengthening capacity,” said IUCN Asia Regional Coordinator for Protected, Conserved and Heritage Areas, Dr Khalid Pasha.
“Recognising and supporting OECMs can help Laos not only meet its international biodiversity commitments, but also empower communities, enhance ecosystem services, and improve climate resilience,” he added.  The dialogue marked a foundational step in Laos’ conservation journey, setting the stage for more inclusive, locally driven approaches that balance environmental protection with sustainable development.

by Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update July 24, 2025)