Major new project to use nature-based solutions to help Laos adapt to climate change

• 10 per cent of Laos’ population will benefit from a new project using nature-based solutions to reduce urban flooding.
• The project is part of a much larger ‘paradigm shift’ in climate adaptation, from hard ‘grey’ infrastructure to integrated solutions that includes ‘green’ infrastructure.
• It is the largest ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) project in Laos, and the first-ever urban EbA project to be approved by the Green Climate Fund.

The Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a major funder of climate projects, has approved a US$10 million project that’s expected to benefit 10 per cent of Laos’ population. The project is using nature-based solutions in four cities to build resilience towards ever-increasing floods caused by climate change.

The project represents a major ‘paradigm shift’ of urban flood management in Laos, from hard infrastructure towards the integration of nature-based solutions, including the restoration of 1,500 ha of urban wetland and stream ecosystems to regulate water flow and thus reduce flood risk.

The five-year project will be executed by Laos’ Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).