Project Summary 

The Lao PDR's intact forest landscapes (IFL) hold unique biodiversity and have the capacity to absorb 95% of the country's emissions, as identified by the Paris Agreement. However, they are at risk due to pressure from the growing economy, particularly in key industries such as wood processing, commercial farming, and development projects. The Lao PDR Forestry Strategy aims to achieve 70% forest coverage and expand protection and conservation forest demarcation to include much of the IFL areas and critical forest biomes. The project aims to invest in the conservation and effective governance of critical forest biomes that sustain the health of the planet and the flow of vital ecosystem services that underpin human well-being.  

Background 

Lao PDR intact forest landscapes (IFL) are an integral part of the globally significant Indo-Malayan Critical Forest Biome (CBF). And the need to protect them is critical – the country has lost 58% of its total IFL in the last 20 years. They hold some of the most unique biodiversity in the world, including 700 species of birds and many global priority endangered flora and fauna1, and have the capacity to absorb 95% of the country's emissions, as identified by the Paris Agreement.  

The threats and environmental challenges to protecting the IFLs are closely related to the government’s drive to lift the country to new levels of economic prosperity. Specifically, the goal of the 9th National Socio-Economic Plan is to achieve graduation from LDC status. The wood and non-timber forest products industry, commercial farming, and development projects, including transportation infrastructure, are the key industries that ascend from the LDC status. However, this economic transformation may negatively impact IFLs if not managed strategically. Cassava and commercial crop farming interests are expanding due to the rising demand, driving encroachment and forest degradation. As such, the envisaged project interventions will address these concerns by integrating the protection of IFLs in forest management plans and/or land use plans, as well as facilitate improvements in the management of protected areas. 

The Lao PDR Forestry Strategy to 2035 and Vision to 2050 aims to achieve 70% forest coverage and expand protection and conservation forest demarcation to include much of the IFL areas and critical biome forests outside the IFL, hence contributing to the Global Biodiversity Framework 30x30 target. Under this national initiative, there are opportunities to bring additional IFLs and CFBs not currently protected under the necessary protection they require to remain intact. The 2035 strategy will increase enforcement on the sustainable supply side and meet international traceability standards as a requirement on the demand side to reduce the market for illegal logging and wildlife trade.  This proposed IFL intervention is closely aligned with this national policy vision and, more importantly, its realization.