With co-funding support from the Australian-funded “Climate Resilience by Nature (CRxN) Mekong” programme, WWF-Laos implemented this project to support Laos’ paradigm shift to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) at the sub-national level, focusing on the Siphandone Wetland in the southern province of Champasak, Lao PDR. This flood- and drought-prone site encompasses a variety of habitats that provide critical ecosystem services essential to the wellbeing of tens of thousands of people living in and around the wetland.

Drawing on available EbA best practices and building on the direct experience of natural resource-dependent Siphandone Wetland communities in piloting locally-relevant EbA solutions, the project helped consolidate evidence of the added value of applying an EbA approach to wetland management and addressed key barriers to replicating and scaling up such an approach.

Implemented from November 2022 to December 2024, the project successfully strengthened climate resilience and promoted EbA in the Siphandone Wetland area through close collaboration with government partners. The project’s main output was to develop a Multi-Sectoral Adaptation Action Plan (MSAAP) that integrates EbA principles across key sectors.

Key Project Activities 

• Policy and capacity assessments
• Multi-stakeholder consultations
• Community engagement
• Two rounds of EbA training for government officials, village representatives, and WWF staff

Réalisations du projet

1. Development of the Multi-Sectoral Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Action Plan

A comprehensive Multi-Sectoral EbA Action Plan was developed through close consultation with provincial and local stakeholders. The plan integrates climate adaptation measures across agriculture, forestry, water, and urban sectors, ensuring that ecosystem services play a central role in building resilience. It provides a practical framework for coordinated, ecosystem-based climate action in Lao PDR.

2. Strengthened Institutional Collaboration for Climate-Resilient Development

The project strengthened cooperation among government ministries, local authorities, and development partners. Through workshops, capacity-building activities, and policy dialogues, institutions improved their understanding of EbA principles and worked together to plan and implement adaptation measures more effectively. This collaboration has led to stronger coordination and shared ownership of climate-resilient development actions.

3. Integration of EbA Priorities into National and Provincial Planning Frameworks

Key EbA priorities and actions identified through the project have been incorporated into relevant national and provincial development plans. This integration helps ensure that ecosystem-based solutions are embedded in long-term adaptation strategies and empowers local governments to apply EbA approaches in their planning and budgeting processes.

4. Strengthened Local and Institutional Capacity on EbA

Two EbA training sessions were delivered to more than 90 participants, including provincial and district officials, village representatives, and WWF staff. The trainings improved participants’ understanding of EbA through practical exercises and case studies, helping them apply EbA concepts in real-world contexts and strengthening both local and institutional adaptive capacity.

5. Policy Support for Mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Climate Adaptation

The project contributed significantly to advancing the policy environment for NbS in Lao PDR. By developing the Multi-Sectoral EbA Action Plan and facilitating cross-sectoral coordination, it provided a strong policy and institutional foundation for future NbS implementation, including follow-up activities under the ongoing CRxN – Mekong project.