Case Studies > Nam Ngum

Nam Ngum Watershed Resource Management

Resource management in Nam Ngum watershed was the subject of a preliminary study carried out by the Centre for Protected Area and Watershed Management (CPAWM), Department of Forestry (DoF), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Lao PDR during 1992 and 1993 through a project supported by the International Development Research Centre. This study involved a combination of data collection on resource use, pressures, competition, conflict and changes over the whole watershed, with intensive participatory observation of two neighbouring communities that reflect in microcosm a number of the wider issues being investigated.

Based on these findings and implications, a second phase of the Nam Ngum Watershed Resource Management Study was established over a period of 30 months from May 1994. This second phase was more applied and revolved around localised pilot interventions, hence an action-based research approach in four areas within the watershed. The pilot areas were deliberately selected to represent diverse conditions and hence to indicate the need for locally specific approaches.

The overall objective for the follow-up stage of the project has been to investigate practical and participatory ways of developing resource management at the local level, based on the experience and findings of the earlier research.

This web site has been developed with the aim of informing the international community with an interest and involvement in natural resource management in Lao PDR of the findings, experience and issues covered by the research.

Duration: 1992-8

Partners: Nam Ngum Watershed Community Resource Management Study; Department of Forestry, Lao PDR

Funding Bodies: International Development Research Centre

Detailed Information: Resource Management In Nam Ngum Watershed

© 2005 Australian Mekong Resource Centre