Laos: Children and young people working for environmental protection

Initial situation

"Jewel of the Mekong"—this was the slogan used by the Ministry of Tourism to attract visitors in 2018. But the jewel is losing its luster. Laos' economic growth is based on the exploitation of its natural resources. Huge hydroelectric power plants, intensive agriculture, and mining are robbing plants and animals of their habitat. This environmental destruction is hitting a country that is already feeling the effects of climate change: increasingly long periods of drought are followed by ever more violent storms and floods.

The Terre des Hommes partner organization

The Association for Community Development (ACD) has been actively working for children's and women's rights, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture since 1994. ACD works primarily in remote communities that are particularly affected by environmental degradation.

Measures and effects

At three schools in southern Laos, ACD is supporting students and teachers in establishing environmental clubs. Members receive training on environmental and climate protection issues, leadership development, and communication skills training. For example, the young people learn the basics of radio journalism. They receive acting lessons and support in filming short movies.

They apply their newly acquired knowledge directly. They create informational materials, prepare radio programs, and perform plays. Their goal: to educate fellow students, neighbors, and politicians about the consequences of environmental destruction and to present alternatives. This includes, for example, waste reduction through the "3R principle"—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. This means shopping with cloth bags and bamboo baskets instead of plastic bags. And upcycling: In workshops, the young people transform old items into new ones and create works of art from waste, which they later sell.

At a youth camp, clubs network and plan activities together.

Overall, ACD works with over 9,000 young people and young adults as well as over 200 teachers who act as multipliers for environmental protection.

Challenges and plans

Laos is already suffering from environmental destruction. Climate change will exacerbate the situation. Through this project, ACD helps young people develop their strengths and confidently advocate for their right to a clean environment. They become "agents of change" and role models for others.