Vientiane: The Climate Protection through Avoided Deforestation (CliPAD) programme, in close cooperation with the Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, convened the GCF-1 closure event in Vientiane. The event brought together representatives from government, development partners, and programme teams to reflect on progress and discuss the way forward.
According to Lao News Agency, the first phase, formally titled Implementation of Governance, Forest Landscapes and Livelihoods (I-GFLL), has supported national and sub-national authorities and communities in Luang Prabang, Huaphanh, and Sayaboury provinces to strengthen forest governance, land-use planning, and sustainable livelihood approaches. Through participatory land-use planning, village forest management, and improved monitoring systems, communities and local authorities have worked together to define land-use boundaries, protect forests, and adopt more sustainable agricultural practices.
These efforts translate national climate commitments into practical action at the village level while strengthening transparency and accountability. A defining feature of the programme has been its emphasis on village leadership. Rather than treating communities solely as beneficiaries, the programme supports villages to take an active role in managing and protecting their forests while balancing livelihood needs.
Under the results-based Emission Reduction framework, 240 villages across the three provinces have been recognised for their collective efforts in forest protection. A total of EUR 2.4 million in bonus payments has been allocated to participating villages. At least 20 per cent of these funds are dedicated to continued forest protection activities, while the remainder supports locally identified priorities such as improving infrastructure, strengthening community facilities, and promoting sustainable agriculture. This approach reinforces local ownership and supports long-term forest conservation.
Co-financed by Germany and the Green Climate Fund, CliPAD is a EUR 62 million programme contributing to the Lao PDR's Emission Reduction Programme and Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. By the end of the programme, these combined efforts aim to reduce 11.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2eq) while strengthening sustainable livelihoods at the village level.
The completion of the first phase demonstrates how Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) can be translated into practical, village-led solutions at scale. Building on the systems, partnerships, and experience developed during the first phase, the next phase will expand support to Bokeo, Luang Namtha, and Oudomxay provinces while continuing engagement in the original provinces. The next phase is titled Scaling up Implementation of Governance, Forest Landscapes Management (SU I-GFLM). The programme will continue working closely with national and sub-national authorities to ensure that village-level action remains aligned with the Lao PDR's long-term climate and forest strategies.