Another vision for Beung That Luang wetland
 
Vientiane Times, 25 Dec 2009
 
The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) this week organised a
workshop to present an innovative project proposal for preserving the
unique 20sqkm Beung That Luang wetland as an ecological park of
Vientiane in Vientiane .
 
According to an FAO press release, the plan that was presented
includes advocating for the integrated, transparent and coordinated
development of the wetland through the development of a master plan
which would ensure the preservation of the Beung That Luang and its
services.
 
Further, a small portion of the wetland would be develop ed with
structures related to innovative and sustainable agriculture
development (pilot farms and test plots); reforestation, nature
history education (a visitor centre), and an energy efficient and
environmentally sensitive floating office building for FAO and other
UN agencies.
 
Deputy Director General of the Heritage Department of the Ministry of
Information and Culture, Mr Viengkeo Souksavatdy, who attended the
presentation, said “It is a new idea.
 
The idea needs to be developed into a more detailed plan and the
relevant Lao offices need to study the plan and present the idea to
the government for approval.”
 
Mr Viengkeo pointed out there were two other projects in the pipeline
for the area, proposed by China and the Japan International
Cooperation Agency.
 
“We must look at whether the new FAO project is a duplication of these
other projects,” he said.
 
The Beung That Luang wetland is of cultural and historical
significance. Over the years the wetland has provided crucial
protection to Vientiane as it used to be bordered by a 1.5 metre thick
and 4-5 metre high brick wall that was built in the 16th century. The
remains of the wall can still be found on the edges of the wetland.
 
According to FAO's press release, the wetland also provides flood
control for the Mekong River and wastewater purification for Vientiane
residents.
 
Some 7,000 households living on or near the wetland area rely on rice,
vegetable and fish farming as well as non-timber forest products for
their livelihoods.
 
“The products and services of the wetland have been estimated to have
a value of US$5 million per year,” said FAO representative to Laos
Serge Verniau.
 
“This project would protect and enhance the wetland and the lives of
its residents while providing a venue for innovative ideas in building
design, urban agricultural development, wastewater management and
sustainable eco-tourism.”
 
The first step is to develop the master plan, which would require any
development in the wetland area to undergo environmental and social
impact assessment, feasibility studies, and to be in accordance with
the community vision for the site.
 
The presentation was prepared by FAO with the expert assistance of the
line agencies concerned.