GCF-1 Closing event

Green Climate Fund Phase 1 (GCF-1) closure highlights village-led forest protection across northern Lao PDR

Village-led action to protect forests and strengthen livelihoods across northern Laos has reached an important milestone with the completion of the first phase of a major climate and forest programme.

The   Climate Protection through Avoided Deforestation (CliPAD) programme, in close cooperation with the Department of Forestry , Ministry of Agriculture and Environment convened the GCF-1 closure event in Vientiane Capital. The event brought together representatives from government, development partners and programme teams to reflect on progress and discuss the way forward.

The first phase, formally titled Implementation of Governance, Forest Landscapes and Livelihoods (I-GFLL), has supported national and sub-national authorities and communities in Luang Prabang, Houaphanh and Sayaboury provinces to strengthen forest governance, land-use planning and sustainable livelihood approaches.

Through participatory land-use planning, village forest management and improved monitoring systems, communities and local authorities have worked together to define land-use boundaries, protect forests and adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. These efforts translate national climate commitments into practical action at village level while strengthening transparency and accountability.

Communities at the centre of climate action

A defining feature of the programme has been its emphasis on village leadership.

Rather than treating communities solely as beneficiaries, the programme supports villages to take an active role in managing and protecting their forests while balancing livelihood needs.

Under the results-based Emission Reduction framework, 240 villages across the three provinces have been recognised for their collective efforts in forest protection. A total of EUR 2.4 million in bonus payments has been allocated to participating villages.

At least 20 percent of these funds are dedicated to continued forest protection activities, while the remainder supports locally identified priorities such as improving infrastructure, strengthening community facilities and promoting sustainable agriculture. This approach reinforces local ownership and supports long-term forest conservation.

Contribution to national and global climate goals

Co-financed by Germany and the Green Climate Fund, CliPAD is a EUR 62 million programme contributing to Lao PDR’s Emission Reduction Programme and Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

By the end of the programme, these combined efforts aim to reduce 11.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂eq) while strengthening sustainable livelihoods at village level.

The completion of the first phase demonstrates how Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) can be translated into practical, village-led solutions at scale.

Transition to the next phase

The closure of GCF-1 marks a transition rather than an endpoint.

Building on the systems, partnerships and experience developed during the first phase, the next phase will expand support to Bokeo, Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces while continuing engagement in the original provinces. The next phase is titled Scaling up Implementation of Governance, Forest Landscapes Management (SU I-GFLM).

The programme will continue working closely with national and sub-national authorities to ensure that village-level action remains aligned with Lao PDR’s long-term climate and forest strategies.

About Climate Protection through Avoided Deforestation (CliPAD) Co-financed by Germany and the Green Climate Fund, the Climate Protection through Avoided Deforestation (CliPAD) programme supports Lao PDR in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation while strengthening sustainable livelihoods. With a total volume of EUR 62 million, it contributes to the national Emission Reduction Programme and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aiming to reduce 11.7 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. The programme operates across six provinces in close partnership with government institutions, communities and development partners.