WCS Lao PDR applauds the Lao Government for taking bold and timely action to safeguard the country's rivers, forests, and irreplaceable biodiversity. The issuance of Prime Minister's Order No. 06/PM, dated 7 March 2025, marks a major turning point in Laos' efforts to strengthen environmental governance and ensure that natural resource use benefits both people and nature.
This landmark policy introduces transformative reforms to curb unsustainable mining practices, enforce environmental safeguards, and align the mining sector with Laos' conservation priorities and sustainable development goals.
What's New?
• Permanent nationwide ban on alluvial gold extraction-including gravel and sand suction used for gold recovery-long linked to riverbank erosion, water pollution, and aquatic habitat degradation.
• Suspension of new metallic mineral project approvals until the end of the current government term.
• Stronger inspection, monitoring, and legal enforcement to tackle illegal and environmentally harmful mining operations.
• Mandatory ecological restoration of mining sites before land is returned to the state, ensuring degraded ecosystems are repaired.
• Greater transparency and public participation in concession processes and environmental monitoring.
Why it matters for conservation:
This Order closes critical loopholes that have put forests, freshwater ecosystems, and wildlife habitats at risk. It represents a bold step toward:
• Protecting biodiversity in ecologically sensitive and forested landscapes
• Restoring degraded ecosystems and strengthening ecological resilience
• Safeguarding essential ecosystem services for communities and wildlife
• Enhancing accountability and rule of law in natural resource governance
• Attracting responsible, conservation compatible investment
WCS Lao PDR stands ready to support the Government of Lao PDR in turning this policy into action-through science-based guidance, technical expertise, and inclusive multi-stakeholder engagement. Together, we can generate momentum for a shift toward biodiversity-compatible mining in the forested landscapes of Laos, ensuring the country's natural wealth is preserved for generations to come.
Full order in Lao
Unofficial Translation by WCS