The Biodiversity Conservation in Lao PDR

by: Inthavy Akkharath

Lao National Mekong Commission Secretariat (LNMC) Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) 1

INTRODUCTION LAO PDR :

. Land-link country (Area: 236,800 km²) . Bordering with Cambodia, China Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar.

2 Current Status of Biodiversity in Lao PDR There are five larger eco-regions in Indochina, Four of these Eco-regions occur in the Lao PDR and its NBCAs: • Annamite Range Moist Forest; • Indochina Dry Forest; • Northern Indochina Sub-tropical Moist Forests; • Mekong River and its catchments.

3 The habitats of high international significance for conservation in Lao PDR

• Northern Highlands (Representations occur in northern NBCAs such as Nam Ha, Phou Dene Din, Nam Et and Phou Loey) • Evergreen Forests of the Annamite Mountains and foothills (The Annamites proper are represented in the Nakai- Nam Theun, Xe Sap, and Dong Ampham NBCAs, Annamite foothills are represented in NBCAs such as Nam Kading)

• Central Indochina Limestone Karst (Similar to the Annamites, species endemism is high and this habitat is otherwise only found in Vietnam. It is represented in the Lao PDR in the Phou Hin Poun and Hin Nam No NBCAs).

• Bolaven Plateau (This massif between the Mekong and the Annamites in the southern Lao PDR, It occurs only in the Lao PDR, and part of it is protected in only one gazetted NBCA, Dong Houa Sao) 4

The habitats of high international significance for conservation in Lao PDR (Cont..)

• Dry Dipterocarp Forests of the Mekong Plains (Found mainly in areas of low elevation in the southern Lao PDR, This habitat is best represented in the Xe Pian NBCA) • Mekong River (The Lao PDR plays a central role in the conservation of the biodiversity of the Mekong River The Mekong forms the boundary of a NBCA (Phou Xiang Thong), but at present biodiversity management focuses solely on the four major forest habitats and not the river) • Other rivers and streams (Because of the extensive mountainous topography of the Lao PDR, streams are a common key habitat, A highly threatened, distinct habitat type are larger, slow moving rivers, such as the Nam Theun/Nam Kading in central Lao PDR and the Xe Kong and Xe Banhiang in southern Lao PDR. Very few unaltered stretches of these rivers flow through protected areas

5 3 Forest Categories Location in Lao PDR

Conservation Forest 4.7 m. ha Protection Forest 3.5 m. ha Production Forest 3.4 m. ha

6 Forest Conservation System in Lao PDR The national Forest conservation program has been active since 1989 by conducting of forest conservation project supported by SIDA in cooperation of IUCN

The National Forest Conservation System was started in 1993 be PM’s Decree No.164/PM on establishment of 18 areas, later on 3 National Protected Areas (1995, 1996 & 2008 respectively).

The establishment of contiguous areas between three NBCAs as corridors (one between Nakai-Nam Theun NBCA and Phou Hinpooun NBCA (73,880 ha), and one between Nakia-Nam Theun NBCA and Hin Nam Nor NBCA (3,310ha). 7 Nam Ha ASEAN Natural Heritage Park in 2004.

Trans-boundary World Natural Heritage Property (TWNHP)

Ramsar site

24 NPAs in Lao PDR

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166 sp = Reptiles >100 sp = mammals 1,200 sp = fish & Amphibians

>700 sp = Birds

8,000-11,000 sp = Flowering 10 plants Important Bird Important Bird areas in Lao PDR Areas in Lao PDR • High diversity results from large number of habitats

• Important bird areas (IBA) were also identified in Lao PDR. To date 44 IBAs have been identified within all the country’s protected areas for which ornithological data are available. There are one or tow IBAs identified in each NBCA, except for Nakai-Nam Theun NBCA, where three IBAs have been identified.

11 Tiger Conservation Project

The Nam Et and Phou Loey NBCA are implementing the Tiger conservation as well as other communities’ development activities.

12 Elephants Conservation Project (WWF)

13 Eld’ deer Conservation Project (DOF AND UNDP-GEF6)

Project site is in Savannakhet Province, now a day implementing to update Provincial Eld’ deer sanctuary level to National Eld’ deer sanctuary.

14 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas Crocodile Conservation Project (WCS)

Project site is in Savannakhet Province, now a day implementing. 15 Gibbon Survey Project N. Concolor

(IUCN-FFI) N. Leucogenys

N. Siki

N. Gabriellae

H. Lar 1. Western Black-crested Gibbon 2. Northern White-cheeked Gibbon H. Pileatus

3. Southern White-cheeked gibbon N. Incertae sedis 4. Yellow-cheeked gibbon 5. White-handed gibbon 6. Pileated gibbon 7. Paled-cheek gibbon ???

16 17 02/11/2017 18 NBSAP 2016-2025

The Current Situation National Biodiversity Strategy 2016-2025 National Action Plan

02/11/2017 19 Assessment of Current Situation

Ecosystem Forest, Agriculture, Aquatic, Urban, Species Diversity Facts, status, trends and Socio-Economic Biodiversity 1. Degree Loss of appreciation of economic value 2. Poverty incidence and resource management

3.1. TheMechanism 7th & 8th NSEDP for land use7. Implementing biodiversity related MEAs and Conventions 2. MONRE Vision 2030, Strategy 25 Policy & & Action Plan 2016-2020 8. Civil Society 3. Sector Policies and Strategies 9. Private Sector institutional 4. Legal Framework 10. National, institutional and individual capacity for BD management 5. Institutional Framework 11. Financing Framework framework 6. Governance reforms

Lessons & Good Practices 1. Quick review of NBSAP 1 Targets (All Programs) of 102st/11 NBSAP/2017 2. The way forward (awareness, human resources, 20the “How-to’s”, policy and resources mobilization) NBSAP 2016-2025 Description of Strategy

Visio n

The people to value their biodiversity resources in terms of immediate and long term benefits (globally). Benefits are sustained 02/11/2017through protection 21 against abuse, by wise use, and by ensuring that the benefits are shared equitably NBSAP must be fully consistent with 3 1 2 Socio-economic Development Strategy Sustainable use of biodiversity is a 2020 and support targets to maintain key element of livelihood strategies Protecting biodiversity also means economic growth, achieve 2030 Agenda and food security and is best protecting ecological, economic, for Sustainable Development and assured through in situ conservation social, cultural and spiritual values associated SDGs, observe sustainable efforts, made possible by respecting and aspirations of the people of the development, and ensure political stability and supporting knowledge, Lao PDR and regional and international integration innovations, and practices of local people who depend on them NBSAP should guide national 9 actions on enhancing cooperation Conservation and sustainable use of 4 and synergies among biodiversity biodiversity resources requires stakeholder related conventions that Lao PDR participation and cooperation at local, is a Party for better impact in national, regional and global levels, and delivering action on the ground PRINCIPLES also a sharing of knowledge, costs and benefits 8 5 7 6 NBSAP must be consistent NBSAP must be science-based with global Strategic Plan Education and raising of Formulation and and provide a clear link for Biodiversity 2011-2020 public awareness are implementation of policies and between biodiversity and the 20 Global Aichi essential in ensuring establishment of a legal conservation and economic Biodiversity Targets conservation and framework are necessary as development sustainable use of effective measures against 02/11/2017 biodiversity resources biodiversity depletion 22 NBSAP 2016-2025 Description of Strategy

Goal ເສີມສັ້າງບົດບາດ Enhance the role of ຊີວະນານາໆພ ນ biodiversity as a ໃຫັ້ກາຍເປ ນ national heritage and ມໍລະດົກແຫ່ງ as a substantial ຊາດ ແລະ ການ contributor to poverty ປະກອບສ່ວນສໍາ alleviation, as well as ຄ ນ ໃນການລົບ sustainable and ລັ້າງຄວາມທຸ ກ resilient economic ຍາກ ແລະ ຄຽງຄ ່ growth ກ ບການເຕີບໂຕ 02/11/2017 ທາງດັ້ານ 23 ເສດຖະກິດ

NBSAP 2016-2025 Description of Strategy

Objectives: 1. Institutionalize innovative multi-stakeholder efforts to arrest degradation and enhance conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity resources 2. Provide clear and enforceable guidance for sustainable use of biodiversity resources to support poverty alleviation and sustainable economic growth 3. Establish practical mechanisms for ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits from use of biodiversity resources 02/11/2017 24 NBSAP 2016-2025 Description of Strategy

Content: • Target • Baseline • Outcome indicators

All sub-targets related Aichi Global Target (19)

02/11/2017 Five key strategies25 NBSAP 2016-2025 Description of Strategy Cross cutting themes: Biodiversity and Climate Change (CC) & Disaster Risk Management (DRM)

CC DRM

02/11/2017 26 2 ProgrWhat strategy? 1 9 ams, Fund Policy Generatio Syste 8 n ms Coordi and nation Proce 3 Type of dures Area- of based Progra7 Action 4Plans m EducaTask s Resea tion rch, and Surve Com 6 y and Sharing, 5 muni- Networkin Knowl cation g and Traini edge Agreemen 02/11/2017 ngs 27 t Based NBSAP 2016-2025 National Action Plan

5 5 7Sub 3 6 Strategy 15 38 strategi 2 9 1 Targets Actions 2 esSub Strategy 4 8 strategi 2 Targets Actions es Strategy No Sub 4 9 3 strategy Targets Actions Strategy No Sub 3 6 4 strategy Targets Actions Strategy No Sub 3 8 5 strategy Targets Actions 02/11/2017 28 02/11/2017 29 Summary of Actions and their Prioritizations

Priority 1 Actions Priority 2 Actions • Usually actions that are • Usually depend on the start of essential for other actions to Priority 1 Actions follow • Usually involve major investment • Usually involve review of and require sufficient planning specific policy instruments and time amendment of procedures as • Involve some human capacity incentive to stakeholders building before start • Need not depend on huge external resources to start • Will be done in the first two 02/11/2017 30 years • Need immediate intervention Implementation

How will NBSAP flow?

02/11/2017 31 Mainstreaming Biodiversity Targets and Actions to Relevant Sectoral Plans and Strategies Process of NBSAP Mainstreaming to National and Provincial Agencies

1st Identify Principles, Concepts and Practices to be mainstreamed

2nd Identify policies, strategies and programs to incorporate biodiversity

3rd Determine effective ways in mainstreaming principles and practices

4th Ensure implementation of NBSAP considers priorities and interests of relevant biodiversity convention 02/11/2017 32 Mainstreaming and Synergies at the Local Level

NBSAP to work with incumbent provincial authorities, the Ministry of Home Affairs, MPI-NERI and PACSA

Local authority planners, DONRE, PAFO staff and local NGOs may constitute task force with assistance from interested NGOs

02/11/2017 33 Process in Mainstreaming Streaming Strategy

Processes for mainstreaming and synergy Assembling information on economic value of natural resources and biodiversity Overlaying information on NRM issues on economic values Exposing provincial leaders to good practices Preparing simple Provincial Strategic Action Plan (PSAP)

Use PSAP to guide sub-plans Documenting and disseminating successful practices Recognizing and publicizing good practices 02/11/2017 34 Recent trends and recommendations Resource Mobilization for NBSAP Implementation

• Communication of true value of biodiversity • The need to clearly define financial requirements • Financial crisis of donor and the need to tap funding from internal sources • Considering various forms of user fees • Development of guidelines for payment of environmental services • Declining of donor funding, tapping available fund and the need to engage SWGs, DPs, & other organizations • Environmentally sound production practices of private sector: – Legislation – Encouragement

02/11/2017 35 Implementation

Institutional Arrangement

02/11/2017 36 CBD/NBSAP Institutional Chart

National Environment Committee

Chaired by vice PM: CBD and CCD MONRE Committee CBD NSC Members: DoP DG (CBD & CCD head) > Minister MAF > Minister of MoNRE DoF DG (CBD & CCD deputy) > Vice of other Mins NAFRI DG (CBD & CCD deputy) > Vice Mins from some key stakeholders

CBD inter sectoral Chair: CBD NFP (DoF DDG) CBD secretariat coordination committee MAF DOP NAFRI DoF Deputy DG (CBD NFP) -  DoE (head)  DoW DFRC (dep) Science and Tech. Inst.  DoP of MoP & Invest  DoP of NLMA NBSAP Co-ordination and DoP of MoPW Technical Support Unit DoP of MoM&E  DoP of MoI & Trad DFRC head and staff  DoP of LNTA  TMRI of MoH  Others

Research and Infrastructure MICT Inter. and DFRM MAF Dep’t, WG MoNRE MOST WG Education WG WG WG INGO WG  DoF, DoA, DEQP BEI All NAFRI  MEM DoLF, DoFI, DWR DIP TDD LBA centers -DEB DOEC, DoPC, LNMCs TMD IUCN FFS, FAG, -DEP DALAM ESIA TMPM LWCA FNS, FES, -DoM Ministry of DDMCC WCS (NUoL)  MPWT Industry IRNE WWF  ITM, FDD -DoR Commerce DOPC FAO (MoH) -941 PKK- MPI  UNDP PPN WB -Rural Dev’t ADB office Others

02/11/2017 Provincial CBD/PPSAP Steering committee 37 Activities of NBSAP • We have done on synergies and now gender mainstreaming • We are trying to cover our new gender project for NBSAP

Limited Control Capicity • Lack of Human Resource-Not enough staffs, • Inadequate knowledge and skill; • Lack of equipment and vehicle; • Financial difficulties.

38 Area of potential support

• Developing a resource mobilization strategy and practical approaches in identifying financing for biodiversity and implementing of our NBSAP. • Capacity for monitoring the NBSAP including indicators

• Need supporting in developing our project proposal that could get some financial support (GEF, GCF and so on) to implementing our NBSAP.

• Our in Laos partners in Lao UNDP, UNEP, IUCN, Lao Wildlife Association

39 40