Laos’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on August 20 held a workshop to review the operation of the country’s Fund for Environmental Protection.

Lao Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Noulinh Sibandhith, in his speech at the event, said the workshop aims to set forth its upcoming plans to perform the second phase of the country’s environmental and social programme.

Participants appreciated activities that were implemented recently by the fund, especially in managing safari parks, developing human resources, preserving elephants in Khammoun province, and managing waste in Savannakhet province.

They focused their discussion on how to effectively protect and manage 23 national reserves with a total area of nearly 840,000 ha, which is home to a large number of rare animals.

Attendees also demonstrated their determination to safeguard the environment in their communities, especially urban areas.

Established in 2005, the Fund works to promote environmental protection, sustainable natural resources management, biodiversity conservation and community development.-VNA