Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Recently, Luang Prabang Province in Laos officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening the climate resilience of vulnerable groups in northern Laos and improving their livelihoods.
The MOU, part of a project titled "Building Climate-Resilient Livelihoods and Resilience for Vulnerable Children, Families and Communities in Luang Prabang Province," was jointly signed by Save the Children Laos and the Luang Prabang Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment. The signing ceremony was presided over by Chindavong Phosikham, Alternate Member of the Luang Prabang Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Luang Prabang Provincial Administrative Committee. Somviheth Duongphasit, Director of the Luang Prabang Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, and Luuk Ebous, Laos Country Director of Save the Children International, jointly signed the MOU. Representatives from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Sports, as well as officials from the provincial government and the district where the project is located, attended the ceremony.
Luang Prabang boasts rich cultural heritage and natural resources, but it also faces severe challenges from climate change. Many local communities are facing multiple pressures, including climate change, limited livelihood opportunities, and declining agricultural productivity. This not only increases the burden on families but also risks reducing children's opportunities for learning, play, and healthy development.
To address these challenges, the new project will focus on three core areas: promoting climate-smart agriculture, diversifying family livelihoods, and enhancing communities' overall capacity to cope with climate change. The project will also align with the overall development priorities of Luang Prabang Province, supporting Laos's goals for sustainable development and environmental protection.
The project will be implemented in the three districts of Nambak, Ngoi, and Viengkham, with core objectives focused on building climate-resilient livelihoods, enhancing community resilience, and comprehensively improving the overall well-being of vulnerable children and their families.
At the ceremony, Somvipe Duangpasi stated, “This project is crucial and timely, effectively enhancing the skills and capabilities of local communities to help them adapt to and proactively address the new challenges posed by climate change.”
Luke Ebbes emphasized the profound significance of this collaboration, noting, “This partnership is a vital step in strengthening the resilience of children, families, and communities most impacted by climate change. Through this project, we will provide long-term, community-led solutions to help families adapt to climate change, safeguard their livelihoods, and create a safer future for future generations. We thank the relevant departments in Luang Prabang Province for their cooperation and the New Zealand Government for their strong support, which has made this shared vision possible.”
It is understood that the project, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will continue until 2030, providing a stable guarantee for communities' continued adaptation to climate change. (End)
