Locations
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP7NR)
Photo by: Khamsavath Bounmy
Development Challenge
Lao PDR is endowed with rich biodiversity but continues to face significant pressures from land-use change, unsustainable resource use, and economic development. Effective conservation requires a coherent national strategy aligned with global commitments, yet existing frameworks require updating to reflect evolving priorities under the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
A key challenge lies in aligning national policies, targets, and reporting systems with international commitments, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Data gaps, limited monitoring systems, and institutional coordination constraints hinder the country’s ability to track progress and report effectively on biodiversity outcomes. In addition, integrating biodiversity considerations across sectors and mobilizing adequate financing remain persistent challenges, requiring strengthened institutional capacity, coordination mechanisms, and evidence-based planning tools.
Project Background
The project supports Lao PDR to update its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and prepare the 7th National Report (7NR) to the CBD, ensuring alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework. It focuses on: (i) revising national biodiversity targets and actions in line with GBF commitments; (ii) strengthening monitoring, reporting, and data systems for biodiversity; and (iii) enhancing multi-sector coordination and stakeholder engagement to support implementation and reporting. Through this, the project provides a strategic and institutional foundation for integrating biodiversity into national development planning and mobilizing resources for implementation.
Expected Results
- Updated NBSAP endorsed: Revised national biodiversity strategy with clear targets, actions, and implementation arrangements aligned with global commitments.
- 7th National Report prepared and submitted: Comprehensive national report documenting progress, gaps, and priorities for biodiversity conservation.
- Strengthened monitoring and reporting systems: Improved data collection, analysis, and reporting mechanisms to track biodiversity outcomes and inform decision-making.
- Enhanced coordination and stakeholder engagement: Strengthened collaboration across ministries, development partners, and stakeholders in biodiversity planning and reporting processes.
Key Achievement
- Updated NBSAP (2026–2030) developed and aligned with global framework: NBSAP finalized with 25 national biodiversity targets and over 200 actions, aligned with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and national development priorities.\
- 7th National Report process advanced: Substantial progress made in preparation of the 7th National Report to the CBD, supported by technical inputs and stakeholder consultations at national and provincial levels.
- Multisectoral coordination significantly strengthened: NBSAP process enhanced coordination across ministries, provinces, and partners, integrating biodiversity into key sectors including climate change, agriculture, One Health, and green growth.
- Inclusive stakeholder engagement and national ownership achieved: Extensive consultations conducted with government, development partners, civil society, private sector, women, youth, academia, and local communities, ensuring broad participation and ownership.
- Increased biodiversity awareness and visibility: National campaigns, communication materials, and the NBSAP Target Icon Set developed, improving public awareness and visibility of biodiversity priorities.
Project Details
- Status: On-going
- Start Date: 2023-2027
- Focus area: Biodiversity
- Implementing partner: Department of Environment (DOE), Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE)
- Total project budget: 463,547 USD
- Donor: GEF
Contacts:
- United Nations Development Programme
Lane Xang Avenue
P.O. Box 345 Vientiane, Lao PDR
Email: info.la@undp.org
Tel: +856 (0) 21 267 777
Fax: +856 (0) 21 267 799
