Charting a Resilient Future: Lao PDR Unveils Water and Drought Management Plans

Hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) and supported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Global Water Partnership Southeast Asia (GWP-SEA) through the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Cambodia and Lao PDR project, the event was the culmination of extensive technical work and consultation. The launch brought together participants from national ministries and international organizations, including the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The gathering symbolized not only endorsement but a shared sense of responsibility and determination.

Figure 2 Mr. Phonexay Simmalavong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Water Resources at Lao PDR’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) led the event launch. © GWP Lao PDR, 2025

The action plan and framework, developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) with support from international partners, provide a practical roadmap for managing Lao PDRs’ 62 river basins, ranging from transboundary rivers to local watersheds while preparing for the increasing threat of drought. The preliminary Integrated Water Resources Management Action Plan aims to enhance governance, coordination, and data sharing to support sustainable development, while, the Drought Management Framework focuses on risk assessments, early warning systems, and sector-based planning across agriculture, forestry, and rural water supply.

The launch was officiated by Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, His Excellency Mr Chanthanet Boulapha, who opened the event with a heartfelt call to action. “Water is life,” he reminded the audience, highlighting water’s vital role sustaining ecosystem, ensuring food security and shaping the livelihoods and culture of the Lao people. Amidst growing climate risks and increasing demand, he urged for strong national coordination and bold implementation.

Speaking on behalf of WMO, Mr Ben Churchill,  Director of the WMO Regional Office for Asia and the South-West Pacific, commended Lao PDR's leadership in tackling water-related challenges. He emphasized that climate change is already intensifying drought conditions globally, with 2024 being the hottest year to date [1] and over 50% of the global catchment areas experiencing below-normal flow. He highlighted WMO’s support for Lao PDR’s meteorological and hydrological services, including MoNRO’s Departments of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) and Water Resources (DWR) in delivering timely forecasts and water assessments. He emphasized that national frameworks like these are crucial tools for informed decision-making and long-term sustainability.

Mr Raymond Valiant, Regional Coordinator of GWP-SEA, echoed this sentiment, calling the launch a milestone in Lao PDR’s commitment to water security and drought resilience. He noted that these plans are more than policy. They are actionable commitments toward inclusive, science-based, and coordinated development. He also extended appreciation to MoNRE for its strong leadership and to the CREWS Initiative and development partners for making the effort possible.

This event not only signalled progress in national water governance but also reflected growing momentum for integrated, climate-resilient planning. As implementation begins, strong collaboration among ministries and partners will be crucial to translating the strategy into tangible impact.

The Preliminary Integrated Water Resources Management Action Plan 2026-2030, Drought Management Framework, and the recording of the launch event can be accessed by clicking the link in the right-hand panel side (desktop view) or at the bottom of the page (smartphone view).