A seminar on the science of climate change has discussed methods of environmental conservation and management on Tuesday, aiming to encourage the relevant sectors to see the importance of environmental issues.

Relevant sectors and international organisations cooperated in raising awareness, discussing environmental management and offering resolutions to challenges based on national policy.

More than 100 participants from organisations both domestic and international joined with students from the National University of Laos' Environment Faculty to discuss the issue.

A draft national strategy and action plan on climate change was presented by Deputy Director General of the Environment Department, Mr Khampadith Khammounheuang, and Director of the Environment and Health Division of the Ministry of Health, Dr Tayphasavan Fengthong

The draft strategy has identified climate change's possible impact on health in Laos and the key policies to mitigate these impacts.

Discussion on emission reduction by promotion of renewable sources of energy was led by renewable energy firm Sunlabob's project manager, Mr Simon Henschel, Chief of Environment and Social Management Division of Electricity in the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Mr Chantho Millattanapheng, and mining company representative Mr Kongher Herchaleun.

International organisations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) were also represented at the seminar.

Participants shared policies on climate change and called for targets in management to ensure a positive public response to the issue.

The seminar took place at the International Cooperation Training Centre and was presided over by Minister to the Prime Minister's Office and Water Resources and Environment Administration Head, Ms Khempheng Pholsena.

She identified the importance of cooperation between organisations and the Water Resources and Environment Authority towards the conservation of water resources.

According to the reports from international experts on climate change, the increase in the average global temperature from the year AD 1000 to 1900 was just 0.8 degrees.

But from 1900 until the present, average global temperatures have increased by 1.8 degree Celsius.

An increase of 1.8 to 4 degrees Celsius is predicted over the next century.

Ms Khempheng said the Lao government was well aware of the importance of the climate change issue.

She said negative impacts, especially those from flooding and irregular rainfall, were set to increase in occurrence and severity. These will affect economic growth, environment and quality of life.

The Lao government is attempting to solve the problem and create a policy framework for appropriate regulation and cooperation with the international community on climate change, she said.

Currently a national strategy to plan for climate change incorporating the agriculture, forestry, mining and health sectors is being developed as a basis for socio-economic development from 2011 to 2015.