Joint Announcement on Enhanced Cooperation in Environment and Climate Change Issues between Japan and the Lao People's Democratic Republic

May 22, 2008

1. Recognizing that environment and climate change issues are problems significantly affecting the development of human society on a global scale, the Government of Japan and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (hereinafter referred to as "Both Sides") shared the determination to further enhance mutual cooperation in environment and climate change issues.
2. Both Sides, in addressing environment and climate change issues, confirmed their intention to focus particularly on the following areas, and to remain firmly committed to and support the relevant international frameworks:
   • (1) Mitigation measures including sustainable forest management, using renewable energy;
   • (2) Adaptation as well as environmental measures in such fields as disaster risk reduction, water management and sanitation promotion, and irrigation development;
   • (3) Measures against pollution problems such as air pollution.
3. Both Sides shared the view that Japan's and Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR)'s expertise and experience could play an important role in addressing the above issues and that cooperation between the two countries would serve both the regions concerned and the world at large. Both Sides also recognized the need to deal with environment and climate change issues within the context of entire economic policies including energy, industry and agriculture.
4. Regarding the above, Both Sides decided to focus on the following areas for their future cooperation:
   • (1) Establishment of a framework beyond 2012
     • (a) Both Sides expressed that Japan and Lao PDR will participate actively to reach an agreed outcome in 2009, and to establish an effective framework beyond 2012 with the participation of all major emitters in a more responsible manner, in accordance with Bali Action Plan.
     • (b) The Lao side appreciated the Japanese proposal of "Cool Earth 50" initiative presented in May 2007, recognizing it as an important policy input for the processes under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol.
     • (c) With regard to "Cool Earth Promotion Programme", the Lao side expressed its determination to achieve both emissions reductions and economic growth, and to contribute to climate stability. The Lao side also appreciated Japan's proposal about bottom-up approach on sectoral basis. Both Sides shared the view to build a low carbon and low disaster risk society in each country.
   • (2) Adaptation and Mitigation measures with regard to Environment and Climate Change Issues
     • (a) Both Sides expressed to enhance cooperation on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), sustainable forest management, promotion of clean energy utilization and energy efficiency and conservation, disaster risk reduction, water and sanitation, and irrigation.
     • (b) The Lao side expressed that it would welcome investments related to CDM projects by Japanese companies. The Japanese side expressed the intention to cooperate with the Lao side in supporting sustainable development, preventing pollution and to promote the co-benefits approach.
     • (c) The Japanese side recognized the urgent necessity of Lao PDR to take measures for adaptation and to address environment and climate change issues in various areas. The Japanese side expressed its intention to support Lao PDR's effort to take adaptation measures and achieve both emissions reductions and economic growth, and to contribute to climate stability through Cool Earth Partnership.
     • (d) The Lao side highly valued and expressed its appreciation for the Japanese side's assistance to support Lao PDR's various efforts, referring to the cooperation for the development of the Vientiane water supply systems for over 40 years and the recent cooperation projects, such as "The Study on The Improvement of Water Environment in Vientiane City" and "The Forest Management and Community Support Project".