Pakse: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Lao National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) have successfully concluded a pivotal project aimed at integrating biodiversity across Laos' agrifood systems. The final workshop, 'Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors to Implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,' was held in Pakse, Champasak Province, marking a key milestone in the Lao PDR's commitment to sustainable agriculture.
According to Lao News Agency, the two-day event, held on January 27-28, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), provincial offices, and technical departments to review achievements linking global biodiversity targets with local action. A central highlight was the government's approval of the Roadmap 2024-2030: Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agriculture and Forestry, a strategic guide designed to address deforestation and ecosystem degradation through coordinated, cross-sectoral solutions.
The Lao PDR's rich biodiversity is vital for the environment and underpins food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and resilience to climate change. The project focused on aligning national policies with Target 10 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), emphasizing sustainable management of agricultural areas.
Beyond policy development, the project delivered results through Farmer Field Schools (FFS). Participants visited project sites in Nong Luang and Phoumarkor to observe biodiversity-friendly practices in coffee production and processing. These schools serve as hubs for testing and upscaling practices that boost productivity while conserving the environment.
The workshop also served as a platform to launch future initiatives. The successful completion of the project has already catalyzed new funding opportunities, including support from the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund and further bilateral programs addressing biodiversity in forestry.