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:
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.
In recent years, the Government of Lao PDR has demonstrated greater political will to reconcile its development and conservation objectives and achieve long-term sustainable management of biodiversity. Promising developments at the national policy level include:
In this context, COMBO aims to assist the Government of Lao PDR in mainstreaming of the mitigation hierarchy by supporting the establishment of appropriate policies, aligned with best international practice, and developing tools and guidance for spatial planning and offset implementation to avoid, mitigate and offset impacts on priority biodiversity.
This includes the following activities, amongst others:
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“Guide on Responsible Agriculture and Forestry Investment in Lao PDR – A case study for Chinese Investors”.
February 2021: New Protected Species list for Lao PDR – Wildlife List of Lao PDR Category I (Prohibited) and II (Managed) has been officially endorsed by the Prime Minister on 25th February 2021. Wildlife List for Category III had previously been endorsed on 27th November 2020 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF). This list is included as an appendix to the Lao Wildlife and Aquatic Law.
Kerstin Brauneder Project Manager for COMBO in Lao PDR kbrauneder@wcs.org Facebook: facebook.com/WCSLaoPDR and facebook.com/wcsmekongdrivers
© Diane Detoeuf/WCS, © Efard Arevr/ WCS