The Nam Xam Basin, home to nearly 200,000 people, is heavily reliant on agriculture. However, climate change is increasing the risks of flooding and droughts, threatening both livelihoods and environmental resources. To address these challenges, an Integrated River Basin Management Plan has been developed to promote sustainable water management, support agriculture, protect biodiversity, and enhance ecotourism. The plan aligns with Lao PDR’s regulatory framework and is set for approval at a high-level workshop before submission to the Prime Minister.

Alluvium Consulting, commissioned by Australian Water Partnership (AWP), has supported the Lao Department of Water Resources in developing a River Basin Management Plan for the Nam Xam Basin in north-eastern Lao PDR. This initiative also served as a model for similar efforts in other priority basins across the region.

This project emphasised capacity-building, pairing Australian specialists with Lao PDR water resource professionals to transfer knowledge and expertise. The planning process followed principles from Australia’s BasinGuide, ensuring an approach adaptable to other regions. Through four multi-stakeholder workshops, the project engaged government, industry, and local communities, fostering an inclusive and collaborative approach to river basin management.