The Department of Forestry has strengthened national forest governance with practical guidance for fire prevention and suppression.

On 23 July 2024, Lao PDR’s Department of Forestry at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry issued the country’s first technical guidelines on forest fire prevention and suppression. This marks a critical step towards improving forest resilience in the country, providing a national standard to reduce fire risks, especially during the dry season.

The guidelines were developed with technical and coordination support from RECOFTC through our Community-based Fire Management (CBFiM) project, national partners and key stakeholders. They align with the Prime Minister’s Order No. 11/NA (2023) and directives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, promoting more consistent and effective fire prevention practices across the country.  

The guidelines set out clear and practical steps for preventing and responding to forest fires, including identifying high-risk zones, creating firebreaks and coordinating efforts across multiple administrative levels. They also offer guidance on implementation and fire data reporting, helping ensure that communities and forest officials apply consistent and technically sound approaches.

To support implementation, the Department of Forestry has distributed the first edition of the guidelines to provincial and district agriculture and forestry offices. By promoting standard practices and drawing on local knowledge, these guidelines are helping to bridge gaps between technical policy and community action.