Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) reports that the "Korea-Mekong Project," funded by the South Korean government and a collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Water Resources Department of the South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, has focused on eight vulnerable villages in Khammouane and Champasak provinces of Laos for four years. Through climate risk assessment, enhanced emergency preparedness, promotion of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), and community-led adaptation actions, the project has strengthened long-term resilience in these areas.
From November 10th to 14th, 2025, UNDP and the Lao government held a series of handover ceremonies, marking the project's imminent completion in December. At the Champasak province ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative Martin Terrell, Lao Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Chanthane Boualapa, leaders at various levels, and community members were present. At the Khammouane province ceremony, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Tao Chunlai attended, along with local water resources and government officials and stakeholders, demonstrating a strong commitment to the project's objectives.
Key achievements of the project include: upgrading evacuation centers, improving water access, installing solar lighting, and reinforcing flood control facilities; distributing informational materials and disaster preparedness training manuals for water protection zones; supporting livelihood projects such as stove improvements, rice cake making, aquaculture, and drought-resistant rice cultivation through a relief fund mechanism; and establishing village-level banks to promote financial literacy and inclusive finance.
Martin Terrell stated that UNDP will uphold the project's spirit and continue to advance disaster preparedness and community resilience building to ensure that "no one is left behind" when disasters strike. The project, guided by gender equality, deepens climate risk planning and integrated water resource management. Its success is inseparable from the support of the South Korean government and highlights the crucial role of international cooperation and community participation in addressing climate and water resource challenges and achieving sustainable development. The lower Mekong River basin is vital to Laos' economy and agriculture, and the project provides tangible support for local efforts to cope with floods and droughts.
