PLUP Activities in Phonkham village, Hiem district, Houaphanh province

Participatory Land Use Planning (PLUP) in Phonkham Village, Hiem District, Houaphanh Province

From 14–18 November 2025, the GIZ’s Climate Change Protection Through Avoided Deforestation (CliPAD) project worked hand in hand with Phonkham villagers and district partners to carry out the Participatory Land Use Planning (PLUP) process. This activity represents an essential foundation for village-level natural resource governance, helping communities reflect on how their land and forests are used today and how they should be protected for the future. The opening sessions introduced the purpose of PLUP and emphasized its importance to local development, particularly in a province known for its rich forest landscapes and biodiversity. Through these discussions, villagers gained a clearer understanding of their responsibilities in managing natural resources, while also recognizing the long-term benefits of sustainable land-use planning.

Throughout the week, the community and district technical teams collaborated closely across several key steps, including detailed area surveys, community consultations, participatory mapping exercises, and the development of community agreements for forest and land management. These activities ensured that local knowledge, cultural practices, and livelihood needs were reflected in the planning process. Villagers actively contributed to identifying the three types of forest areas, discussing biodiversity priorities, and agreeing on future land-use zones. The participatory mapping in particular created an opportunity for open dialogue, where different generations shared their understanding of fields, forest boundaries, water sources, and areas of cultural significance. This strengthened community ownership and helped build a shared vision for the village’s natural resources. By the end of the activity, the PLUP process had not only produced a technically sound land-use plan but also helped reinforce trust, local leadership, and collective responsibility among villagers. The strong participation demonstrated the community’s commitment to protecting their forests, safeguarding biodiversity, and supporting long-term climate resilience in Houaphanh Province. Protecting forests and biodiversity is a shared responsibility, and PLUP serves as a practical tool that empowers villagers to make informed decisions that support a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations.