Built along the Mekong River, Vientiane historically relied on streams and wetland systems to drain micro-catchments. Many wetlands have since been infilled or reduced by urban sprawl, while combined wastewater and stormwater flows now place extra pressure on remaining wetlands and streams.

Nong Loup Ian, in the western part of the city, remains largely intact and supports fishing and agriculture for 3 surrounding villages. However, development pressure is increasing, and the area is vulnerable to heat, pollution and unplanned infill.

What the case study explored

RUCaS worked with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Department of Urban Planning and Housing and Vientiane Capital authorities to explore options for retaining and enhancing Nong Loup Ian as a community-managed productive wetland. The original study identified opportunities to introduce mixed-use zoning, add detention and retention capacity, establish treatment wetlands to separate greywater and blackwater inflows, and expand sustainable livelihood activities linked to the wetland.

These concepts were developed to support GGGI’s NATURA program, which is preparing a larger-scale investment in urban wetland restoration and flood management.

What happened next

Informing the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

The Nong Loup Ian study site directly informed a detailed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) led by GGGI for a proposed peri-urban productive wetland under the NATURA program. Concepts developed through RUCaS – including flood retarding basins, constructed wetlands, sedimentation ponds, vegetated swales and re-profiled wetland beds and banks – may be used to define and test NbS options within the ESIA process.

Study tour and training on urban wetlands and NbS

To build local capacity, RUCaS and GGGI co-delivered a study tour and training program for Lao government officials focused on urban wetlands and NbS for flood management, cooling, biodiversity and livelihoods. The study tour, including visits to Thai NbS sites, and a follow-up training program in Vientiane, provided practical examples of how wetlands like Nong Loup Ian can underpin urban resilience.

Using national guidelines

RUCaS examples contributed to the development of national 2 national guidelines:

• Urban Wetland and Stream Restoration Guidelines

• National Guidelines on Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) for flood risk reduction.

These guidelines, developed under through the “Building Resilience of Urban Populations with Ecosystem-Based Solutions in Lao PDR” project, provide a framework for rehabilitating and managing urban wetlands and streams across Lao PDR. They also outline processes for inclusive engagement, with explicit links to the Inclusive and Equitable Urban Nature-based Solutions: A Practical Guide.