LocationsRelief Fund Facility (RFF): A New Chapter in Climate Resilience and Integrated Water Resource Management
May 23, 2025
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the Republic of Korea through the "ROK Mekong project," proudly announced the launch of the Relief Fund Facility (RFF) in Champassak and Khammouane provinces. This initiative is designed to empower local communities through local-led interventions that aim to bolster disaster risk management and preparedness, raise awareness in integrated water resources management, build long-term agriculture climate resilience, and enhance community financial capacities.
A total of LAK 1,404,000,000 will be disbursed as grants through the RFF, benefitting eight targeted villages in four districts across the Khammouane and Champassak provinces. Each villageis poised to receive up to LAK 175,500,000 over the next six months for implementing small-scale village-driven interventions. The launch events were held in Pakse and Thakhek covering 4 villages in each of the project targeted provinces. In Pakse, the handover ceremony was chaired by Mr. Oudomsack PHILAVONG, Director General DWR, and observed by H.E Chanthanet BOUALAPHA, Vice Minister of MONRE. In Thakhek, the launch event was chaired by Mr. Kingkham MANIVONGDeputy Director General DWR and observed by Ms. Bounkan PHONGOUDOM, Representative of PONRE, Khammouane Province.
Water is integral to the Laotian way of life. Around 90% of Lao PDR's area lies within the watershed of the Mekong River and approximately 41% of the total water volume in the Mekong River originates from the country. The management of natural water resources is therefore a vital priority for unlocking Lao PDR’s socio-economic potential.
In keeping with this priority, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) under MONRE, with the support of UNDP, seeks to strengthen the climate and disaster resilience of vulnerable people and communities by promoting integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approaches.
The RoK Mekong project is, therefore, an important initiative to help Lao PDR address the pressing environmental challenges facing our region through cooperation and shared responsibility with neighbouring countries.
Through this RRF, over the course of six months, UNDP, in coordination with DWR, MONRE as well as provincial and district level stakeholders, will work with each of the targeted villages to help them identify and prioritize eligible activities, develop and submit grant proposals, and access grants to implement village-level interventions that in turn foster a supportive environment for vulnerable groups, including women and ethnic communities, who are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts.Several villages are planning to use the funds to address urgent needs. Dondonh village in Thakhek district aims to invest in clinics and first aid kits to improve access to healthcare. Other communities prioritize purchasing drinking water machines to ensure access to clean water during floods and disasters.
The launch of the RFF marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance integrated water resource management and climate resilience in vulnerable urban areas of the lower Mekong River Basin. By fostering collaboration between local communities, government entities, and international partners, this initiative paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. With targeted interventions and a strong emphasis on community engagement, the RFF is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of those most affected by climate change, ensuring that the people of Lao PDR can thrive in harmony with their natural environment.
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