Forestry department, JICA discuss draft forestry strategy

Lao officials and representatives of the local office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have discussed progress on the first draft of the forestry strategy till 2030 which aims to push the country’s forest coverage by 70 percent.

The two sides held the 6th Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting in Vientiane on November 6, which was co-chaired by the Director General of the Department of Forestry, Mr Sousath Xayakoummne, and the Senior Representative from the JICA Laos Office, Ms Akiko Sanada.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Mr Sousath said: “This year, we have completed the assessment of performance in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

“According to the assessment result, we have been able to reduce the emissions by around 12.8 million tCO2e and to absorb about 1.87 million tCO2e of carbon. This will allow us to receive result-based payments of about US$56 million as an incentive from GCF.”

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