Sustainable Development in the Nakai–Nam Theun Watershed: NTPC’s Long-Term Commitment
The Nakai–Nam Theun watershed is one of Southeast Asia’s most important biodiversity hotspots. As the upper catchment of the Nam Theun 2 hydropower project, it is not only an ecological treasure but also a critical natural infrastructure supporting renewable energy generation and the well-being of surrounding communities.
Since the inception of the Nam Theun 2 project, NTPC has been mandated—and deeply committed—to supporting the protection, restoration, and sustainable development of this landscape.
A Shared Vision for 2035
The Government of Lao PDR and its partners have laid out an ambitious direction through the NNT 2035 Vision, which aims to ensure that the park:
- Meets international protected area management standards, including inclusion in the IUCN Green List by 2026
- Achieves ASEAN Heritage Park status and prepares for a future UNESCO World Heritage nomination
- Secures sustainable financing through an Escrow Account (by 2026) and a dedicated Trust Fund (by 2029)
- Becomes a national training model for protected area governance and community engagement
These goals reflect a determination to preserve the park’s ecological integrity while enabling sustainable benefits for local communities.
Progress Through Stronger Governance
Between 2024 and 2025, the Department of Forestry and partners conducted a series of national consultations to strengthen NNT-NP governance. Key steps included:
- Updating the Prime Minister’s Decree 122 on NNT-NP oversight
- Establishing specialized committees to lead reform
- Enhancing transparency through improved financial systems and decision-making processes
- Increasing representation of women and district-level stakeholders
- Improving land-use planning, forest zoning, and biodiversity safeguarding mechanisms
- Aligning local rights with park management rules to ensure fair and transparent implementation
NTPC has been a consistent supporter of these reforms, helping to ensure that the park’s management becomes increasingly effective, accountable, and inclusive.
Supporting Sustainable Development for Communities
The watershed is home to both villages inside the protected area and those in its buffer zones. Ensuring sustainable livelihoods is essential for long-term conservation.
NTPC supports a wide range of community development actions, including:
- Participatory land-use planning
- Small-scale enterprise development under public–private partnerships (PPPs)
- Sustainable forest and non-timber product management
- Improved access to health, education, and infrastructure services
- Training and capacity-building through national institutions and international experts
This balanced approach strengthens local economies while reducing pressures on the forest.
Strengthening Monitoring and Financial Sustainability
NTPC is working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment (MAF) to ensure:
- The timely appointment of an Independent Monitoring Agency (IMA) in early 2026
- The establishment of sound financial management guidelines
- Technical upgrades to the Annual Work and Budget Plan system, including support from DataVerse
- Transparent allocation and use of conservation funds
These actions help create a results-based management culture essential for long-term park sustainability.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming years will be decisive. In 2026 alone, major milestones include:
- IUCN Green List submission
- ASEAN Heritage Park recognition
- Formation of the Project Appraisal Committee
- Strengthening the NNT-NP Management Unit
- Setting up the Escrow Account for sustainable financing
- Preparing SEMFOP 5 (2027–2035), the next long-term strategic plan
NTPC remains fully committed to supporting the Government of Laos in achieving these targets. The success of NNT-NP is a shared responsibility—and a shared opportunity for a greener, more resilient future.
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