World Environment Day celebrated in Laos

Green cities
05.06.2023
Vientiane, June 3rd, 2023 - The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) is getting ready to commemorate the 24th anniversary of National Environment Day and the highly anticipated 50th anniversary of International Environment Day. With the captivating theme of "Beat Plastic Pollution," the event took place at the prestigious Patuxay venue in Vientiane, the capital city.

The celebrations began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, graced by the presence of Ph.D. Kikeo Khaikhamphithoune, the Deputy Prime Minister of Lao PDR. Attendees had the privilege of hearing insightful speeches from Ph.D. Bounkham Vorachit from the Ministry of MoNRE and Ms. Mariam A. Khan, UNFPA Country Representative of Laos. Approximately 2,000 attendees, including notable representatives from organizations, government sectors, and private companies, gathered to dedicate themselves to environmental conservation and sustainability. 

The festivities featured an array of activities designed to engage individuals of all ages. A student parade inaugurated the festivities, followed by a picturesque two-kilometer walk from Patuxay to the esteemed Presidential Palace, providing an opportunity to revel in the city's charm. Visitors also had the chance to explore meticulously curated booths, thoughtfully set up by MoNRE and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), offering invaluable insights and resources. 

Of particular significance was the waste recycling game orchestrated by Zero Waste Laos, an engaging endeavor aimed at encouraging participants to embrace eco-friendly practices. Moreover, the booth of the Waste to Value project was showcased by MoNRE, promoting the use of water refills and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. 

The celebration of National Environment Day and World Environment Day in Vientiane played a vital role in raising awareness about the pressing issue of plastic pollution. It served as a platform for individuals, organizations, and government entities to exchange ideas and make collective commitments to safeguard and preserve our invaluable natural resources. 

As we approached the momentous occasion of World Environment Day on June 5th, let us be reminded of the profound significance these celebrations hold. Embracing sustainable practices and assuming the role of environmental advocates on a daily basis will empower us to effect positive change, ultimately contributing to a greener and cleaner future for generations to come. 

This project is financed by the City of Zurich and Däster-Schild Foundation, among other donors. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

2021 - 2028
Laos
Green cities
Waste to Value
The “Waste to Value” project seeks to promote a circular economy in Laos by improving cooperation between local actors in the waste and recycling value chain, thereby focusing especially on strengthening green businesses and building resilience of the vulnerable group of informal waste workers.