Laos’ Intended Nationally Determined Contribution for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is being implemented with the help of a new project, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The project was funded by the Global Environment Facility in partnership with UNDP and the Department of Disaster Management and Climate Change.
Recently, great advances have been made in the global dialogue on climate change. China and the United States formally ratified the Paris Climate Agreement at the G20 Summit in China last month.
By signing the Paris Agreement, countries commit themselves to contribute to climate action and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Laos signed the agreement on April 22, 2016, Earth Day, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
During the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane on September 7, 2016, the Chair of ASEAN and Lao Prime Minister Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith handed over the Laos Paris Agreement ratification instrument to the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon.
The issue of greenhouse gases and their contribution to the changing climate has been on the global agenda for many years. However, the Paris Agreement, last December, set some ambitious goals that call for global cooperation to combat climate change, and investment towards a low carbon, resilient, sustainable future.
As a lead up to last years Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP 21), countries were required submit their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, which contained plans and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Laos showed its support for the Climate Change Agenda by submitting its own Contribution to COP 21. These Contributions are seen as a key component for the ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement.
As a commitment to combat climate change, on September 13 a new project was launched that will focus on the implementation of Laos’ Contribution. The project will run until September 2017, and will implement measures to help Laos mitigate and adapt to climate change.
The development of this project is significant for Laos, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Mr. Balasubramaniam Murali said at the project’s Inception Workshop.
It demonstrates the government’s pledge to follow up on the commitments made at the UNFCCC COP 21 in Paris, and Laos’ preparation and submission of its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution.
The inception workshop was attended by several development partners including the British and French embassies and the German Development Cooperation, as well as other UN Agencies including FAO and WHO, and representatives from various government ministries.
The successful implementation of the project will set an important foundation, forming a strong link between economic development, sustainability and mainstream environmental considerations, including action on climate change and national development plans.
Source: Vientiane Times
