Opportunities and Challenges of

Water Resources Management in Lao PDR

Lao National Mekong Committee SecretariatMinistry of Natural Resources and Environment

Contents

1. Background of Laos

2. Water Demand

3. National Natural Resources & Environment Vision 2030

4. National Water Resource Strategy 2025

5. National Water Resource Action Plan 2016-2020

6. Opportunities

7. Some Challenges

Background of Laos• Geography – surrounding 5 countries with

a different political system;• Lao PDR is located in South-East Asia

with Area of 236,800 km2 and Density country Population 68 per/Sq Kms;

• 90% of the country are in Mekong Basin; 35% of annual flow (or equal 270,000 mil. m3) in Mekong is from Lao tributaries;

• Water resources per capita is around 55,000 m3 per year;

• The pattern of rainfall is around 80% during the rainy season and 20% in the dry season.

• Lao PDR has abundance by water resources, tributaries, and number of 62 sub-river basins significantly situated in the country territory.

Politics

one legal party;

17 provincial administrations;

Vientiane is the capital city;

An increasing number of population;

Population – 6 .8 million (2012);

Annual growth rate (2005) – 2,4%

Background of Laos (Cotn,)

Water Demand

Domestic and industrial water use;

Agriculture – irrigated areas, crop areas;

Mining;

Hydroelectricity;

Fisheries;

Tourism; and

Navigation.

Power Development Situation (as of 2012)

• Total installed capacity of the country: 2,971 MW, in which IPP export is 2,149.9 MW, while for domestic use is 821.1 MW.;

• Projects under construction has total installed capacity 5,489.5 MW, in which IPP export is 3,994MW; and for domestic use is 1,495.5 MW, in which 70.5 MW installed capacity less than 15 MW;

• Households electrified 83 % (as of 2012);• Industry growth of about 7-8% pa, while electricity

consumption increased by 12% pa in the last 10 years;• About 75 hydropower projects are now under stages of

MOU, PDA and CA

National Natural Resources & Environment Vision 2030

“Making Lao PDR Green, Clean and Beautiful, based on Green Economic Growth, to ensure Sustainable Resilient Development and Climate Change”

National Water Resource Strategy 2025

Vision is coordinated,

optimized and sustainable development and use of

water resources, protection of the environment and

improvement of social well-being.

National Water Resource Strategy 2025 (cont.)

Mission

ensure sustainable

development and

management of water

resources and minimize

water environment

and social impacts

management and protection of water sources

and systematic, comprehensive

planning for water resources development and

use, balancing socioeconomic outcomes and

water ecosystems

strengthening ownership and participation of stakeholders on management of water resources development and

use through capacity building and use of local

knowledge

prioritization of water

allocation for basic human

needs, ensure equitable

water uses and sharing the benefits

of water availability

and development

National Water Resource Action Plan 2016-2020

1. Institutional Strengthening & Coordination;

2. Legislation, Plans and Implementation;

3. RB and Sub-RBs WR Planning;

4. Groundwater Management;

5. Data & Information Management;

6. Water Allocation;

7. Protection of WQ and Ecosystems;

8. Wetland Management;

9. Flood and Drought Management;

10. WR Risk Mgt. & CC Adaptation;

11. IWRM Financing;

12. Awareness, Participation & Capt. Building.

Opportunities

The abundant water sources in Lao PDR have the potential to support socio-economic development, especially hydropower and irrigation sub-sectors. The hydropower potential of Lao PDR is great compared to other countries in the lower Mekong River Basin providing an opportunity to earn foreign income.

However, the water source development is still at a low level: irrigated area is only 20% of the national paddy area and hydropower production is still at 2% of its potential of 30,000 Megawatts. Development in other sectors is still at a low level compared to hydropower and irrigation.

Some Challenges

WR development and water use increased;New institutional arrangement & establishment;

Legislations need to be improved; population increased;

Limited capacity of concerned staff on RB planning & management, and lack of numbers of staff;

Lack of efficient, accurate WR data & information;WQ and ecosystems has been degraded in some

areas;Natural disaster frequently occurred and more severe

- floods, drought & CC impact on water countrywide;

Limited public awareness & local participation on IWRM;

Limited financial support & sustainable mechanism.

Thank you very much for your attention