New decree stipulates environmental, social responsibilities
Vientiane Times, 16 March 2010
The dissemination of a decree on environmental and social impact assessments for development projects was presented yesterday at the International Cooperation Training Centre in Vientiane.
More than 400 officials from state, private and international organisations attended the event.
The decree was formed through work undertaken by the Water Resource and Environment Administration (WREA) dating back to 2000.
The decree was approved last month and aims to ensure all projects undertaken in Laos adhere to strict environmental and social impact guidelines and responsibilities.
WREA Deputy Director Noulinh Sinbandhit said sustainable development and natural resources management are an important aspect of economic and social development.
Laos can serve as a role model for others by ensuring high environmental and social protection standards are met for all projects, he said.
The nation's rapid development has potential negative impacts for natural resources if the proper policies, laws, regulations, and strategies are not in place to protect them.
Mr Noulinh said the decree forms part of the government's environmental protection policies and also serves to assist development projects to ensure they meet the required standards. The meeting also included discussions on how the decree can best be implemented for effective environmental protection and improving people's living conditions.
