Development of Integrated Climate Resilient Flood Management Strategies (ICFMS) in 4 Cities of Laos & National Urban Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Guidelines for Flood Risk Reduction

Client: Alluvium International
Date: December 2024 – October 2025
Location: Pakse, Paksan, Savannakhet, and Vientiane (Xaythany) – Laos

The assignment is commissioned by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as part of its broader efforts to support climate resilience in urban environments across Southeast Asia. The central aim of the project is to strengthen urban climate resilience and systematically reduce flood risks in four key cities of Lao PDR: Pakse, Paksan, Savannakhet, and Vientiane.

This will be achieved through the development of Integrated Climate Resilient Flood Management Strategies (ICFMS) tailored to the specific conditions and challenges of each city. In parallel, the project will produce national-level guidelines on Urban Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) to provide a standardized framework that can be scaled and applied across other urban areas in the country. These strategies and guidelines are designed to incorporate both land use planning and ecosystem-based approaches, such as the restoration of natural drainage systems, green infrastructure, and sustainable urban development principles into the mainstream processes of urban flood risk management. By doing so, the project not only addresses immediate flood vulnerabilities but also contributes to the long-term integration of climate adaptation measures into national urban planning, infrastructure development, and policy-making processes.

Services Provided

Spatial Decisions is responsible for providing technical expertise in urban land use planning to support the development and integration of climate-resilient flood management strategies in four Lao PDR cities—Pakse, Paksan, Savannakhet, and Vientiane.

  • Prepared comprehensive framework and methodology for Integrated City Flood Management Strategies (ICFMS) and national EbA Guidelines
  • Developed Land use plans for flood risk reduction in the four target cities development
  • Developed and endorsed Integrated Climate Resilience Flood Management Strategies for Pakse, Paksan, Savannakhet and Vientiane (Xaythany)
  • Support in development of National Guidelines on Urban EbA
  • Mainstreamed ICFMS and EbA Guidelines
  • Participated in field missions, stakeholder workshops, and validation meetings throughout the 9-month project period.