IUCN

With a population of only 8 million, Lao PDR’s ecosystems and relatively intact compared with other Asian nations. Almost 60% of the country is forest covered, which the government aims to reach 70% by 2035. Twenty-five National Protected Areas, including six National Parks, cover 17% of the country and the government plans to nominate Hin Nam No National Park as Lao PDR’s first natural WHS in 2023.

As part of its ambition to become the Battery of Asia, the government has invested heavily in hydropower, mostly through foreign-finance build-own-transfer schemes. Between 1990 and 2020, GDP growth averaged almost 7%/year, moving the country close to middle-income status. But since 2020, covid, which hit the tourist sector particularly badly, and debt-distress have severely reduced GDP growth. The government is seeking to diversify the economy with a greater focus on sustainable natural resource management, including tourism and forestry.

IUCN started working in Lao PDR in 1988 and opened an office in 1992. Lao PDR has been a State member IUCN since 1969.

IUCN

National Coordinator