Lao People's Democratic Republic and FAO advance efforts to mainstream biodiversity in agriculture with new Roadmap and local action

The two-day event, held from January 27-28, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), provincial offices, and technical departments to review the achievements that link global biodiversity targets with local action. A central result highlighted during the workshop was the Government of Lao PDR's approval of the Roadmap 2024–2030: Mainstreaming biodiversity across agriculture and forestry, a strategic guide designed to address deforestation and ecosystem degradation through coordinated, cross-sectoral solutions.

Lao PDR’s rich biodiversity is vital not only for the environment but also for the livelihoods of its people. The project focused on aligning national policies with Target 10 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which ensures that agricultural areas are managed sustainably.

"Lao PDR is blessed with a unique and incredibly rich biodiversity. This biodiversity is fundamental to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and human health, while also enhancing the resilience of agrifood systems to climate change," said Ms. Kyung Mee Kim, FAO Representative to Lao PDR.

She added, "By adopting biodiversity-friendly policies and practices across agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture, agrifood systems can become part of the solution, ensuring sustainable food systems and resilient livelihoods for present and future generations."

Beyond policy formulation, the project delivered tangible results on the ground through Farmer Field Schools (FFS). Participants visited project sites in Nong Luang and Phoumarkor to observe biodiversity-friendly practices in coffee production and processing. These schools have served as hubs for testing and upscaling sustainable practices that boost productivity while conserving the environment.

Mr. Siriphonh Phithaksoun, Deputy Director General of NAFRI, emphasized the importance of these practical applications in meeting international commitments. "Target 10 focuses on ensuring that the management of agricultural production—including crop cultivation, livestock, fisheries, and forestry—is sustainable and biodiversity-friendly," he stated.

He further noted that the initiative has been crucial in "strengthening institutional coordination and policy coherence for mainstreaming biodiversity across the agricultural sector."

The workshop served as a launchpad for future initiatives. The successful completion of this project has already catalyzed new funding opportunities, including a Global Biodiversity Framework Fund project and further bilateral support to address biodiversity in forestry.

"The seeds planted during this project are already flourishing", Ms. Kim remarked in her closing statement. "I take this opportunity to reassure the Government of Laos... that FAO will remain a reliable partner to ensure biodiversity values are integrated across agrifood systems for food security and sustainable livelihoods for the citizens of this country."

About the Project
 The Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) sub-programme, Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors to Implement the KMGBF, has supported Lao PDR since 2023. Implemented by NAFRI with support from FAO, the project aimed to revise the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and promote sustainable practices in line with national climate commitments.

Contacts:

FAO Lao PDR
Dr Olayvanh Singvilay - National Project Coordinator ([email protected])

Vilaylack Khounvisith – National Communication Consultant ([email protected])