VIENTIANE, 17^th November 2025: Over the past four years, the ROK-Mekong Project (“Enhancing Integrated Water Management and Climate Resilience in Vulnerable Urban Areas of the Mekong River Basin”), funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, has worked to strengthen climate and disaster resilience across eight vulnerable villages in southern Khammouane and Champasak provinces. By conducting climate risk and vulnerability assessments, enhancing emergency preparedness, promoting integrated water resources management (IWRM), and supporting community-led adaptation, the project has helped build long-term resilience in these communities.

From 10 to 14 November 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Lao PDR commemorated the successful conclusion of the project with a series of handover ceremonies. In Champask Province, the event brought together Ms. Martine Therer, UNDP Resident Representative; H.E. Mr. Chanthaneth Boualapha, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment; together with national and provincial leaders, local authorities, community members from Sanasomboun and Pakse districts, and UNDP colleagues, particularly the ROK Mekong project team and the focal point from the UNDP Bangkok office. In Thakhek and Nongbok districts in Khammouane Province, H.E. Mr. Chanthaneth Boualapha, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment, was joined by Mr. Dao Xuan Lai, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative.

As the project approaches its closure in December 2025, participants highlighted key achievements:

• Upgraded evacuation centres with improved water access, solar lighting for enhanced security, and facilities for flood response.

• Distribution of Water Protection Zone (WPZ) awareness materials, including booklets and posters promoting sustainable water use.

• Development and dissemination of training manuals on disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation.

• Livelihood initiatives such as cookstove manufacturing, traditional rice cracker production, fish and poultry farming, and cultivation of drought-resilient rice, are supported through Relief Fund Facility (RFF) grants.

• Establishment of village banks to promote financial literacy, inclusion, and effective local resource management.

The ceremonies in Champasak Province took place in Khili village (Sanasomboun) and Xong village (Pakse) on 10 and 11 November. In Khammouane Province, they were organized in Namphou village (Nongbok) and Xienviaen village (Thakhek), on 13 and 14 November. The events were attended by dignitaries, including the Director General of the Department of Water Resources, provincial and district governors, local authorities, village representatives, and stakeholders, highlighting strong ownership and commitment to the project’s objectives.

Reflecting on the project’s impact, Ms. Martine Therer remarked, “We will carry forward the legacy of the ROK-Mekong project through our ongoing work on disaster preparedness and community resilience. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind when disasters strike.”

The ROK-Mekong Project has made significant contributions to gender-responsive, climate risk-informed planning and integrated water resources management, advancing the long-term resilience of Lao PDR’s most vulnerable communities. These accomplishments have been made possible through the generous support of the Government of the Republic of Korea, whose partnership has played a vital role in helping Lao PDR address ongoing climate and water-related challenges.

The Lower Mekong River Basin remains central to the Lao PDR’s economy and agri-food systems; yet, communities face growing threats from recurrent floods and droughts. The progress driven by the ROK-Mekong Project demonstrates the power of international cooperation and local engagement in overcoming these challenges and securing sustainable development gains.