Lao PDR is taking pioneering steps to improve regulations on environmental and social responsibilities of investments. With the support of PEI and a number of partners, the government of Lao is conducting national consultations to revise the Decree on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (EIA Decree). The revision aims to better align the decree with the recently adopted law on Environmental Protection. The Director General of the Department on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment said that approving the decree would demonstrate the country’s commitment to support socially and environmentally sustainable investments. Following the third consultation workshop held on the 25^th of September Vientiane Times published the article ‘Experts Revise Environment Decree.’

Earlier this year, the Government of Lao PDR has also taken steps towards increasing the public involvement in Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) to ensure inclusive sustainable development. Read More about this here.