Waste to Value Project's IMC Showcases Progress at Bi-Annual Meeting in Vientiane, Laos

Green cities
04.08.2023
The highly anticipated Bi-Annual Meeting of the Waste to Value Project's Implementation Management Committee (IMC) was successfully held on Friday, August 4th, 2023, at the prestigious Crown Plaza Hotel in Vientiane Capital. The event was officially opened by Mr. Thevarack Phonekeo, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and co-chaired by Mr. Michael Fink, the Country Director of Swisscontact.

During the meeting, the IMC provided a comprehensive overview of the remarkable progress achieved in the first half of 2023. A detailed presentation highlighted the various activities successfully accomplished during this period, while also candidly addressing the encountered challenges. The participants engaged in fruitful discussions and offered valuable insights to further enhance the project's effectiveness. One of the meeting's key highlights was to discuss about the drafted work plan for the remaining six months of 2023. This plan promises to drive the project towards achieving its goals and maximizing its positive impact on the environment and society. 

The IMC's gathering witnessed a strong turnout, with 27 representatives gracing the occasion. Among the attendees were distinguished officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, as well as other public and private sector representatives from both Vientiane Province and Vientiane Capital. The meeting also saw the honorable presence of representatives from the Divisions of Foreign Affairs in both Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province, alongside esteemed officials from the Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Provincial Administration Governor Offices. Additionally, prominent stakeholders, including the Natural Resources and Environment departments of Chanthaburi District, Xaysetha District, and Vangvieng District, participated actively. The meeting's significance was further amplified by the participation of key stakeholders from the private sector. Notably, representatives from the Hotel and Restaurant Groups in Vang Vieng (HGGV), Restaurant and Bars Groups in Vang Vieng (RBGV), and dedicated staff from the Waste to Value project were actively involved in the discussions and planning. 

"The Waste to Value Project's Implementation Management Committee is deeply grateful for the unwavering support and active participation from all the esteemed representatives and stakeholders. Together, we are committed to creating a sustainable and greener future for Laos," expressed Mr. Thevarack Phonekeo, reflecting on the successful meeting. 

The second half of 2023 holds promising prospects for the Waste to Value Project as it continues to leverage its collective efforts to transform waste into valuable resources, benefiting both the environment and the local communities. 

2021 - 2024
Laos
Green cities
Waste to Value
Swisscontact's Waste to Value project strengthens the environmental performance in service sector SMEs (hotels, restaurants, cafés and mini-marts) by improving their waste management practices and access to green products. The project further strengthens business operations and improves workplace safety for informal waste pickers increasing their income and quality of livelihood. This is complemented with awareness raising among service sector SMEs and the wider population along with encouraging public-private consultation meetings in the Lao PDR in line with national and municipal government strategies.