Securing land rights in forest areas in Laos

Context

Laos faces significant challenges related to land and forest rights. Over 3,000 rural communities live in state-owned forests without formal documentation of their land use rights. This lack of recognition makes them vulnerable to land grabs, disputes, and growing pressure from natural resources exploitation. Moreover, the absence of clear land tenure systems weakens forest management, accelerates deforestation, and threatens biodiversity and livelihoods.

These issues disproportionately affect smallholder farmers and forest users, particularly women and ethnic minorities, who face barriers to securing land rights. Without action, deforestation and land conflicts will continue to undermine rural development and environmental protection.

Objective

Land rights for smallholder farmers and forest users are more secure, while forests and biodiversity are better protected through integrated land management.

Approach

The project focuses on three activities:

• Facilitating the implementation of an integrated land management: The project supports efforts to protect land rights, forests, and biodiversity in Sayabouri and Houaphan provinces, while promoting responsible land use among villagers and government officials.
• Improving the legal framework for land rights: Special attention is given to women's land rights and the involvement of civil society organisations through multi-stakeholder dialogues and coordination efforts.
• Advancing digital land information systems: The project improves tools such as the Land Use Information System (LUIS) and the digital cadastre LaoLandReg to promote informed decision-making by land and forest management authorities.

Last update: February 2025