Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (Lao People’s Democratic Republic)

In its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) identified a number of actions which it intends to undertake in order reduce its future greenhouse gas emissions, subject to the provision of international support. These include increasing forest cover to 70% of land area (i.e. to 16.58 million hectares) by 2020; increase the share of renewable energy to 30% of energy consumption by 2025; making electricity available to 90% of households in rural area by the year 2020 to offset combustion of fossil fuels to produce power in off grid areas; road network development to reduce distance traveled by vehicles; building large-scale hydropower plants to provide electricity to neighboring countries; and building capacity to monitor policy implementation success. In terms of adaptation, Lao PDR intends to balance its need for development without compromising its environment. For climate change adaptation, this translates into the following goals which are articulated in the National Strategy on Climate Change: increase resilience of key economic sectors and natural resources to climate change and its impacts; enhance cooperation, strong alliances and partnerships with national stakeholders and international partners to achieve national development goals; and improve public awareness and understanding of various stakeholders about climate change vulnerabilities and impacts in order to increase stakeholder willingness to take actions.