The World Bank has approved funding of US$250,000 through the Environment Protection Fund to strengthen the Water Resources and Environment Administration (WREA)'s framework.

According to a statement from WREA, the grant aid documents were signed last Monday by WREA representative Ms Monemany Nhoybouakong and Environment Protection Fund Director Mr Soukkata Vichit.

The funds will be used to improve the WREA's strategic plan, budget and inspections for a two year period, with the aim of developing its framework and efforts to protect the environment.

This includes promoting the incorporation of policy and strategy into national socio-economic development plans at all levels as well as through private sector investment management, according to WREA.

The national water resource strategy is important for WREA, which has been preparing the documents in consultation with interested groups for more than a year.

The strategy will provide guidance to WREA and concerned organisations and groups throughout the country in order to achieve a more coordinated and effective water resource management system.

WREA will encourage local people to learn how they can help to mitigate the effects of climate change and play a part in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

These are important initiatives for protecting the environment and achieving sustainable natural resource use in Laos, as well as helping the government to meet goals for reducing poverty and expanding economic growth.

The WREA's framework also includes continuing its priority projects for adaptation to climate change and global warming in Laos after the National Environment Standard was approved by the government in recent years.