Sustainable water resources management in Laos
Laos
The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has launched a national support program for the integrated management of its sustainable water resources. Laos is one of the Southeast Asian countries with the most abundant water resources per capita, with 55,000 m³/person-year, and 80% of its territory lies within the Mekong River basin.
The assessment of sustainable water resources, from a comprehensive perspective that ensures compatibility of uses and their long-term preservation, is key.
Within the Integrated Water Resources Management Program, IDOM assisted the Ministry of Environment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, including annual reports on the state of the basin, drafting a study with recommendations to mitigate the expected impact of climate change, and technical support to the Nam Ngum River National Commission.
Even in countries with abundant resources, the management and assessment of climate change impacts remains a challenge.
