Laos hopeful of more funding for environmental conservation
Vientiane Times, February 18, 2010
Laos expects to receive more funds from this year's Global Environment Facility (GEF5), with a decision to be announced soon.
It is expected that GEF5 will provide US$3 billion to US$9 billion worldwide for the protection of the environment. Deputy Director General of the Environment Department, Mr Khampadith Khammounheuang, said if the GEF provided only US$3 billion, Laos would get more than under GEF4, which would be very important for the country.
Under GEF4 from 2006 to 2010 the department received more than US$5 million for biodiversity conservation and more than US$3 million to help combat the effects of climate change.
The main priority for GEF4 focused on biodiversity and climate change, but the department also concentrated on National Protected Areas which are so important for biodiversity conservation, Mr Khampadith said.
Information about GEF had been provided at an environmental conference chaired by the Director General of the Environment Department, Dr Viengsavanh Douangsavanh, who spoke about projects that could be supported by GEF.
Mr Khampadith said Laos has more than 20 National Protected Areas, which were central to protecting biodiversity, so they needed to give high priority to their management.
Climate change that altered historic patterns of rainfall not only had the potential to affect human activities such as agriculture and hydropower generation; it also had implications for the management of biodiversity in the protected areas.
Under GEF4, the department proposed many projects, but they were not approved, especially those relating to sustainable forests. They were not approved because they didn't rank priorities and had no focus on training, said Mr Khampadith.
Under GAF5 bio-technology is another area that will be supported.
Projects under GEF5 will be managed by a board which will also select proposals submitted by private organisations and government agencies.
The Global Environment Facility was established in 1991, to help developing countries fund projects and programmes that protect the global environment. It is a joint initiative of several international agencies such as the UNDP, the World Bank and others.
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun (Latest Update February 18, 2010)
Laos hopeful of more funding for environmental conservation
Vientiane Times, February 18, 2010
Laos expects to receive more funds from this year's Global Environment Facility (GEF5), with a decision to be announced soon.
It is expected that GEF5 will provide US$3 billion to US$9 billion worldwide for the protection of the environment. Deputy Director General of the Environment Department, Mr Khampadith Khammounheuang, said if the GEF provided only US$3 billion, Laos would get more than under GEF4, which would be very important for the country.
Under GEF4 from 2006 to 2010 the department received more than US$5 million for biodiversity conservation and more than US$3 million to help combat the effects of climate change.
The main priority for GEF4 focused on biodiversity and climate change, but the department also concentrated on National Protected Areas which are so important for biodiversity conservation, Mr Khampadith said.
Information about GEF had been provided at an environmental conference chaired by the Director General of the Environment Department, Dr Viengsavanh Douangsavanh, who spoke about projects that could be supported by GEF.
Mr Khampadith said Laos has more than 20 National Protected Areas, which were central to protecting biodiversity, so they needed to give high priority to their management.
Climate change that altered historic patterns of rainfall not only had the potential to affect human activities such as agriculture and hydropower generation; it also had implications for the management of biodiversity in the protected areas.
Under GEF4, the department proposed many projects, but they were not approved, especially those relating to sustainable forests. They were not approved because they didn't rank priorities and had no focus on training, said Mr Khampadith.
Under GAF5 bio-technology is another area that will be supported.
Projects under GEF5 will be managed by a board which will also select proposals submitted by private organisations and government agencies.
The Global Environment Facility was established in 1991, to help developing countries fund projects and programmes that protect the global environment. It is a joint initiative of several international agencies such as the UNDP, the World Bank and others.
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun (Latest Update February 18, 2010)
Laos needs more money for everything, it is a reality and the government of laos has to accept it. we has been talking on this webboard many time regarding the foreign aids from international org to Laos, but it seems never ending. as the matter of fact, it is not only laos benefit it and also,the UN or other internation org staff are also benefit it as well.
Is this another 'FREE HAND OUT' money for Laos? LOL! I swear Laos Government are like those LaoNai calling begging for money or even make deals "Even tho it is you're money" from LaoNork day in and out. Hahahaha
Is this another 'FREE HAND OUT' money for Laos? LOL! I swear Laos Government are like those LaoNai calling begging for money or even make deals "Even tho it is you're money" from LaoNork day in and out. Hahahaha
Not just Lao PDR receiving aid. Even China the world super power in waiting still receives millions and millions dollars worth of aid.
