Posted on December, 17 2006

The Science, Technology, and Environment Agency (STEA) have been appointed by the government of Lao PDR as the Designated National Authority for Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM). STEA is now responsible for the approval process of all CDM proposals in Lao PDR before they seek registration with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) CDM Executive Board in Bonn, Germany.

CDM is an arrangement under the Kyoto Protocol which allows industrialized countries to invest in emission reducing projects in developing countries as an alternative to reducing emissions domestically. In 2003, the government of Lao PDR ratified the Kyoto protocol. STEA, as the Designated National Authority of Lao PDR has recognised that participation in CDM could potentially provide Lao PDR with numerous benefits including foreign investment, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, employment and income opportunities, technology transfer, and income from the sale of generated emission reductions.

STEA has drafted a procedure for the assessment and approval of proposed CDM project activities in Lao PDR. The procedure proposes the Department of Environment of STEA serves as the secretariat to the Designated National Authority Board. The Board will consist of one representative from each of the relevant government sectors including the Ministry of Industry and Handicraft, Ministry of Energy and Mining, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Transportation, Communication Post and Construction, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The draft procedure also proposes that a sustainable development checklist will be provided to the proponent to be used as a tool to ensure project activities meet Lao’s sustainable development objectives.

For more information, please contact: Pauline Gerrard