Lao People's Democratic Republic : LAO: Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project — Additional Financing

Sovereign Project | 40253-036

The Additional Financing resources will be used to scale up sustainable forest management activities of the Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project, with a view to strengthening REDD+ readiness and implementation capacity in selected districts and amongst targeted project beneficiaries.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Louangraj, Phantouleth
    Southeast Asia Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Lao People's Democratic Republic
Project Name LAO: Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project — Additional Financing
Project Number 40253-036
Country / Economy Lao People's Democratic Republic
Project Status Active
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Grant
Source of Funding / Amount
Grant 0488-LAO: Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors
Strategic Climate Fund US$ 12.84 million
Strategic Agendas Environmentally sustainable growth
Inclusive economic growth
Regional integration
Drivers of Change Gender Equity and Mainstreaming
Governance and capacity development
Knowledge solutions
Partnerships
Sector / Subsector

Agriculture and Natural Resources / Agriculture, natural resources and rural development

Gender Effective gender mainstreaming
Description The Additional Financing resources will be used to scale up sustainable forest management activities of the Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project, with a view to strengthening REDD+ readiness and implementation capacity in selected districts and amongst targeted project beneficiaries.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy In 2011, the Lao PDR was selected as a pilot country to participate in the Forest Investment Program (FIP), a targeted subprogram within the framework of the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF) under Climate Investment Funds. The FIP Investment Plan for the Lao PDR was approved in 2012 and lists ADB as one of the implementing agencies. The expected outcomes of the FIP Investment Plan are to improve sustainable forest management practices and support readiness activities to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation plus conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+). Since this is consistent with the objectives, scope, and implementing arrangements of the project, the SCF funds are used to scale up the project. The use of SCF funds meet the eligibility criteria to be considered as additional financing to the project. Specifically, it supports a project that remains technically feasible, economically viable, and financially sound; and is consistent with government priorities and the country partnership strategy.
Impact Climate-resilient sustainable forest ecosystems benefitting local livelihoods
Project Outcome
Description of Outcome Biodiversity corridors in the Lao PDR with communities ready to scale up REDD+ activities sustainably managed
Progress Toward Outcome As of March 2020, overall physical progress is estimated at 57% against elapsed time of 62%. Cumulative contract awards and disbursements based on ADB Grant Financial Information System are $10.77 million (84%) and $7.14 million (56%) against net grant amount. Grant extension (2 years) memo was approved on 4 April and reflected in the system on 15 April. Baseline projections has been revised and reflected in system on 26 April.
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

Biodiversity corridor management and REDD+ implementation capacity of institutions and communities strengthened

Biodiversity corridors restored, ecosystem services protected, maintained, and REDD+ ready

Livelihoods improved and small-scale infrastructure support provided in target villages

Project management and support services are operational

Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues) Progress under different outputs was as follows:Output 1: REDD+ training service provider conducted 34 training events to strengthen capacity of provincial and district staff on REDD+. Provincial agriculture and forestry office completed land use plans for 17 villages and issued 221 land use certificates for community-managed land, and 106 land use certificates for state-managed land. Output 2: The project completed afforestation in 1,171 ha and assisted natural regeneration (ANR) in 1000 ha during the reporting period. Regular patrolling of forest areas in 17 villages continued. Study on propsects for support for patrolling and ANR activities in the communities through "payment for ecosystem services" in two watersheds (Xekaman and Namkong) was completed. Output 3: Project signed contract agroforestry service provider on 8 July 2019 and commenced agroforestry preparation activities on 1 September 2019. Output 4: The project refurnished provincial and district offices by procuring necessary equipment, signed a contract for assessment of carbon and the potential for carbon finance' for forest conservation in target villages, and trained staff on the use of the Planet/GIS system and other tools to support REDD+ activities.
Geographical Location Attapu, Sekong
Safeguard Categories
Environment B
Involuntary Resettlement B
Indigenous Peoples B
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects The original safeguard category of B for environment of the Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project remains unchanged. The EARF of the ongoing Project has been updated to include scope of work of the Additional Financing. The new activities are not expected to result in significant negative environmental impacts.
Involuntary Resettlement The original safeguard category of B for involuntary resettlement of the Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project remains unchanged. The LARF of the ongoing BCC Project has been updated to include the new project areas and activities of the additional financing. The new activities are not expected to result in significant negative involuntary resettlement of people.
Indigenous Peoples The original safeguard category of B for indigenous people of the Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project remains unchanged. The Ethnic Groups Development Framework of the ongoing BCC Project has been updated to include the new project areas and activities as well as additional mitigating measures. Villages identified for the new activities comprise mostly of people belonging to Brao, Sadang, Tarieng and Yae ethnic groups. Consultations conducted during the design phase of the Additional Financing confirmed that villagers support the new activities.
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design During project preparation, village leaders and members from targeted villages in Phouvong and Dak Cheung districts were engaged in developing the proposed Additional Financing (AF) interventions. The AF will be implemented in Phouvong district of Attapeu Province and Dak Cheung district of Sekong province which are among the country's poorest districts. Project preparation also involved engagement with central, provincial and district level agencies of the Government of Lao PDR, including Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Planning and Investment, and Ministry of Finance at the central level as well as Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment and District Offices of Natural Resources and Environment in the targeted provinces and districts. The project preparatory consultants and ADB consulted with non-government organizations engaged in conservation and development programs and with special interest groups such as the Lao Women's Union and the Lao National Front which has responsibility for ethnic minority affairs. The project preparation consultants also met on several occasions with private entities involved in commercial agriculture, forestry and hydropower to determine their interest in engaging with the project.
During Project Implementation During project implementation, the NPMO and PPMOs will implement a stakeholder Consultation and Participation Plan as specified in the Ethnic Group Development Framework. The Consultation and Participation Plan presents the definitive points for stakeholder participation under the project, specific to subproject preparation and implementation.
Responsible ADB Officer Louangraj, Phantouleth
Responsible ADB Department Southeast Asia Department
Responsible ADB Division Lao Resident Mission
Executing Agencies
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Nahai Diew Road, Chanthabury District,
Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Timetable
Concept Clearance 21 Oct 2014
Fact Finding 01 Apr 2014 to 11 Apr 2014
MRM 22 Jan 2016
Approval 09 Aug 2016
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 09 Jun 2020

Grant 0488-LAO

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
09 Aug 2016 18 Oct 2016 06 Jan 2017 30 Jun 2020 30 Jun 2022 -
Financing Plan Grant Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 12.90 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 0.00 09 Aug 2016 0.00 11.86 92%
Counterpart 0.06 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 12.84 09 Aug 2016 0.00 9.42 73%

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.

The Accountability Mechanism provides a forum where people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects can voice and seek solutions to their problems and report alleged noncompliance of ADB's operational policies and procedures.

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Title Document Type Document Date
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project – Additional Financing: Audited Project Financial Statements (January 2021-June 2022) Audited Project Financial Statements Dec 2022
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project – Additional Financing: Audited Project Financial Statements (January-December 2021) Audited Project Financial Statements Jul 2022
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project – Additional Financing: Audited Project Financial Statements (January-December 2020) Audited Project Financial Statements Aug 2021
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing: Procurement Plan Procurement Plans Jun 2021
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing: Audited Project Financial Statements (January-December 2019) Audited Project Financial Statements Dec 2020
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing: Audited Project Financial Statements (January-December 2018) Audited Project Financial Statements Jun 2019
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing: Audited Project Financial Statements (06 January- 31 December 2017) Audited Project Financial Statements Oct 2018
Grant Agreement (ADB Strategic Climate Fund) for Grant 0488-LAO: Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing Grant Agreement Oct 2016
LAO - GMS Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project: Additional Financing Grant Change in Scope, Amount, and Implementation Arrangements Jul 2016

Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

Title Document Type Document Date
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing: Social Monitoring Report (July 2021-June 2022) Social Monitoring Reports Aug 2022
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing: Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2022) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jun 2022
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing: Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2021) Environmental Monitoring Reports Apr 2022
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing: Irrigation Pipeline, Water Supply, and Household Latrine Subprojects Safeguards Due Diligence Report Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Dec 2021
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing: Social Monitoring Report (July 2020-June 2021) Social Monitoring Reports Sep 2021
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project: Lao PDR Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2021) Environmental Monitoring Reports Sep 2021
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project: Lao PDR Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2020) Environmental Monitoring Reports Mar 2021
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing: Lao PDR Social Monitoring Report (January-June 2020) Social Monitoring Reports Sep 2020
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing: Lao PDR Social Monitoring Report (July-December 2019) Social Monitoring Reports Sep 2020
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project: Lao PDR Social Monitoring Report (July-December 2019) Social Monitoring Reports Sep 2020
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project: Lao PDR Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2020) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jul 2020
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project: Lao PDR Social Monitoring Report (January-June 2019) Social Monitoring Reports Sep 2019
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project - Additional Financing: Lao PDR Social Monitoring Report (January-June 2019) Social Monitoring Reports Sep 2019
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project: Lao PDR Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2019) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jul 2019
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project: Lao PDR Social Monitoring Report (July-December 2018) Social Monitoring Reports May 2019
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project: Lao PDR Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2018) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jan 2019
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project: Lao PDR Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2018) Environmental Monitoring Reports Sep 2018
Greater Mekong Subregion Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project: Lao PDR Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2017) Environmental Monitoring Reports Dec 2017
LAO - GMS Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project (Additional Financing): Resettlement Framework Resettlement Frameworks Mar 2016
LAO - GMS Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project (Additional Financing): Ethnic Groups Development Framework Indigenous Peoples Planning Frameworks/Indigenous Peoples Development Frameworks Mar 2016
LAO - GMS Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project (Additional Financing): Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Mar 2016
LAO - GMS Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project (Additional Cofinancing): Resettlement Framework Resettlement Frameworks Nov 2014
LAO - GMS Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project (Additional Cofinancing): Ethnic Groups Development Framework Indigenous Peoples Planning Frameworks/Indigenous Peoples Development Frameworks Nov 2014
LAO - GMS Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project (Additional Cofinancing): Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Aug 2014

Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

None currently available.


Related Publications

None currently available.


The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.

Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.

Tenders

Tender Title Type Status Posting Date Deadline
National Procurement Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
National Accounting Assistant Individual - Consulting Closed
Auditor Services Firm - Consulting Closed
Provincial Project Manager Attapeu Province Individual - Consulting Closed
Service Provider for Provincial, District and Village Training Firm - Consulting Closed
Livelihoods - Agroforestry Service Provider Firm - Consulting Closed
Carbon Assessment in the context of Emission Reductions Firm - Consulting Closed
National Forest Patrolling Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
National Communication Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Accounting System Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed

Contracts Awarded

Contract Title Approval Number Contract Date Contractor | Address Executing Agency Total Contract Amount (US$) Contract Amount Financed by ADB (US$)
CSF-TRNG SERVICE PROVIDER FOR PROVINCIAL DISTRICT AND VILLAGE TRAINING Grant 0488 07 Jan 2019 INOVA CONSULTANT SOLE CO. LTD. | SIBOUNHEUANG VILLAGE CHANTHABOULY DISTRICT VIENTIANE CAPITAL LAO PEOPLE'S DEM REP Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment 566,887.39
CSF-CBMS: CARBON MEASUREMENT CONSULTANTS Grant 0488 13 Nov 2018 INDUFOR OY | ESTERINPORTTI 2 HELSINKI FIN-00240 HELSINKI FINLAND Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment 1,410,953.00

Procurement Plan