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Core Training on Climate Change Integration into Urban Development in Lao PDR

On May 13-14, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) held a two-day technical training for city stakeholders with funding support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Participants from several ministries were joined by provincial and district level representatives from Vientiane Capital, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Champasack, and Luang Prabang. Director-General of the Department of Climate Change, Mr. Sangkhane Thiangthammong, chaired the event, kicking off a series of workshops to assess climate change risks at the city-level and identify investment priorities.

“Last year Laos experienced very costly floods. People lost their homes, crops and lives.  Not only did people suffer, but the economy was also negatively affected. When we think about climate change and green growth, these concepts can seem quite far away. If you start to get lost with all of the technical terms, just remember that you know the realities of climate change firsthand. You’ve seen one family’s house damaged from a storm and others that have weathered the storm.  Don’t forget your knowledge and experiences as we learn about these technical issues.” – Annaka Peterson.

The two-day training aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of climate change and the linkages with urban development, and introduce climate risk and vulnerability analysis and greenhouse gas inventory in preparation for a series of workshops to be held in five cities over the course of the next month. The aim is to work with officials in each city to identify their climate risks and vulnerabilities and options to reduce these risks. The team will also complete the first city-level greenhouse gas inventory in Lao PDR.

After the city workshops, the stakeholders will come together again at the national level to share their experiences, discuss the main climate risks, and prioritize potential investments. Some of the priorities will be developed into concept notes for potential funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).