Lao PDR harbors a unique and rich biodiversity. Ecosystems of international significance and importance include the wet evergreen forest and montane forests of the Greater Annamites, massive karst formations in central Lao PDR, and large wetland complexes in the plains of the Mekong and its tributaries.

These areas home to numerous endemic, migratory and threatened species, some of which are extinct in some parts of the world but still found in the Lao PDR. Examples include the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), clouded leopard (Pardofelis nebulosa), gaur (Bos gaurus), saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), gibbons (Hylobates spp., Nomascus spp.), Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis), Laos Warty Newt (Laotriton laoensis) and the white winged duck (Cairina scutulata). 

Biodiversity in Lao PDR is rich but understudied and poorly understood, with new species still being discovered. To date, 49 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) have been delineated, of which approximately 60% are legally protected.

STATUS AND THREATS

Despite a large network of protected areas, biodiversity has been strongly affected by human activities. Anthropogenic pressures and habitat loss have resulted in local extinctions and depleted wildlife densities: Nationally, several species have become extinct in the country in recent decades (Kouprey - Bos sauveli, Tiger - Panthera tigris, Rhinoceros - Rhinoceros sondaicus) and many others are on the brink of extinction (Gibbons, Turtles, Irrawaddy Dolphin - Orcaella brevirostris, Saola).

Main threats to biodiversity include habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, illegal wildlife trade, hunting and poaching. Hunting is ubiquitous in rural areas and fuelled by a considerable demand for animal products from neighbouring countries. Forest clearing is driven by commercial and small-holder agriculture, followed by direct and indirect impacts of large infrastructure projects. Within the protected area network, management and law enforcement efforts by the Government of Lao PDR are additionally challenged by limited financial resources and capacity.

BIODIVERSITY PRIORITIES

The preservation of forests, water resources, ecosystem services and biodiversity are key components of the Government of Lao PDR’s sustainable development strategy and policies. Major policy and guidance documents supporting this objective include:

• The Forest Strategy 2020, which formulated Lao PDR’ ambitious and emblematic target to recover a forest cover of 70% by 2020 – and is recently being revised to be achieved by 2025 (forthcoming Forest Strategy 2030).

• The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Lao PDR (NBSAP), and its 2016-2025 Action Plan which sets objectives for the management and financing of protected areas. It is the primary document outlining the country's biodiversity priorities. The plan’s goal is to “enhance the role of biodiversity as a national heritage and as a substantial contributor to poverty alleviation, as well as sustainable and resilient economic growth”. To this end, 29 NBSAP targets have been identified, including the following:

• “The extinction of at least 5 priority species (to be determined from the Lao Red lists) are effectively prevented through better law enforcement and in situ and ex situ conservation.” (Target 1.5.3)
• “At least 250 Fish Conservation and breeding sites (that include local /indigenous species) are established and are recognized /supported by stakeholders living in the watersheds where these sites belong.” (Target 1.2.1)
• “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and BD concerns are incorporated in the internal code of conduct (or agreed standard business practices) among companies in at least 5 key industries (energy, agriculture, forestry, tourism and chemical)” (Target 2.2.2)

• The National Green Growth Strategy 2030 of Lao PDR (2019) which outlines a sustainable development path that prioritizes, among others, nature-based tourism and sustainable forestry.

Additionally, the Government of Lao PDR is signatory of the main international conventions relating to biodiversity and the environment, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), World Heritage Convention,and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

MAIN INDUSTRY SECTORS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Lao PDR is experiencing very strong economic growth, driven by numerous foreign investments. The country’s biodiversity has been negatively impacted by developments, particularly resulting from private sector investment, including agricultural expansion, forest extraction, mining, as well as linear infrastructure and hydropower dam construction.

Hydropower development in particular, is progressing at a seemingly unsustainable rate, with 90 projects planned over the next decade. 33% of Lao PDR’s wealth is estimated to be generated through hydropower development. Additionally, the development of mining and hydropower projects within protected areas is not uncommon, with resulting impacts on unique and irreplaceable biodiversity.