One of the primary objectives of the SCP Lao project is to address significant environmental challenges faced by the country. These challenges include low waste collection and recycling rates, inadequate waste separation practices at the source, and poor coordination among public, private, and civil society stakeholders. To tackle these issues, the project proposes a range of activities, including research and policy dialogue, aimed at providing official guidance on household waste separation and promoting waste-to-resource initiatives.
The specific objectives of the project include enhancing the role of Lao CSOs in environmental policy processes, increasing environmentally conscious behavior among the wider population especially among youth and women and improving recycling systems, employment opportunities, and income generation through green and upcycled products.
To achieve these objectives, the SCP Lao project has partnered with EcoNews Laos to implement the Young Journalists Training Programme (YJTP) for Lao econews. This initiative aims to strengthen the skills of young journalists in news writing and journalism, enabling them to effectively communicate environmental issues. The YJTP focuses on building the capacity of youth to become trained environmental journalists, empowering them to act as catalysts for change within their communities.
The training program consists of four modules that cover essential topics such as journalism fundamentals, understanding environmental issues, content creation, and engagement with experts and stakeholders. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the skills of young journalists but also fosters a sense of responsibility and agency, encouraging them to advocate for sustainability.
Through these initiatives, the SCP Lao project aspires to cultivate a culture of environmental awareness and action, ultimately contributing to a greener and more inclusive economy in the Lao PDR. The Sustainable Consumption and Production project in Lao PDR is funded by the European Union and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. This reflects a commitment to collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable development.