(Vientiane Times) Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh has called for all sectors of society to join hands to protect and enrich the environment and biodiversity in Laos and contribute to a healthy world for humankind.

The premier made the call while delivering a message to mark International Environment Day (June 5).

He said Laos is blessed with thousands of species of living creatures, many of which are important food and income sources for Lao people.

Prime Minister Bouasone commented that greater conservation efforts were an international requirement, and 2010 has been proclaimed International Year of Biodiversity.

The premier urged all government organisations, multi-level authorities, the Lao Front for National Construction, mass and international organisations, domestic business units and those of friendly nations, and the multi-ethnic Lao people to “fulfill your obligation in defending and developing the country along with making Laos a green, clean and beautiful country”.

He asked everyone to respect and strictly observe laws on environmental and biodiversity protection and related regulations and laws.

These regulations ensure reasonable and efficient use of natural resources, while also ensuring socio-economic development is taking place together with environmental and natural resource protection in a sustainable manner.

He added that the aim of this effort is to ensure all Lao people live in a safe, pollution free environment, and to preserve and protect biodiversity, part of Laos's rich heritage, for long lasting sustainability.

The premier said Lao people are proud that their country is rich in nature and plant and animal species, adding that Laos is recognised as the origin of various rice strains.

He noted that the survival of current levels of biodiversity around the world is under threat from human activities.

“Thousands of species of living creatures are at risk of extinction. Humans have harmed the environment and polluted the air, resulting in changes to ecosystems. This is the trigger for climate change and natural disasters, and the situation is intensifying.”

At present, climate change and natural disasters have become the focus of discussion among governments across the world and international organisations are channelling large sums of money to seek solutions.

In Laos, to ensure sustainable and steady socio-economic growth, the government has designated environmental protection and rehabilitation as top priorities, defining policy for sustainable management and protection of the environment.

The government has set a goal to increase forest coverage to 65 percent of the country's territory by 2015 and to 70 percent by 2020, closely monitors the management of national protected areas, and is expanding protected forests, Prime Minister Bouasone said.

The government attaches great importance to preserving biodiversity, including wildlife and aquatic animals as well as environmental and natural resource protection, increasing management of forests in catchment areas.

Laos is party to international conventions on the environment, particularly the Convention on Biodiversity and relevant sub-conventions.

“We work together with the international community to protect and rehabilitate biodiversity in our country in compliance with national, regional and international obligations,” said the premier.