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Protecting People and the Environment: Norwegian People’s Aid’s Commitment in Lao PDR

In Lao PDR, Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) clears land contaminate by cluster munitions, helping communities regain safe access to land for farming and daily life. While this work brings significant benefits, some clearance activities may also have environmental impacts if it is not carefully managed.

To this concern, NPA has developed an innovative tool called “Green Field Tool (GFT)”, which helps our operations teams assess environmental sensitivities and their own environmental footprint. This tool supports our operations team planning and decision-making process to minimize environmental impacts, protect natural resources and safe local communities when they will conduct a demolition.

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To strengthen environmental awareness, Mr. Chanthanousone, Environment Coordinator, and his team regularly provide GFT training and advice to Operations staff.
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Interviewing local authorities and communities by operational staff is the most critical step in collecting field data to ensure effective planning and implementation of environmental mitigation measures at unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance sites.
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The ArcGIS Survey123 (“Green Field Tool (GFT-Step 2)” being used for assessing the risk to Environment aspect and environmental impacts of mine action activities
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After the environmental impacts assessment, Team Leaders selects mitigation measures to manage and reduce the risk of environmental harm caused by the teams activities.

To strengthen environmental awareness across NPA offices, NPA has also implemented a comprehensive waste management, which included colour-coded bins and composting systems.

To mark World Environment Day on 05 June 2026, the NPA Environment team also organized a waste reduction and office cleanup. This activity encourages staff to take practical actions to reduce waste, maintain a clean workplace, and contribute to environmental conservation.

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As part of our World Environment Day 2026 activities, Mr. Phouttavanh Phomkanethao, Environment Officer introduces a campaign on waste segregation practices and the importance of reducing waste generation.
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Before starting the clean-up campaign, staff gathered to discuss environmental objectives, and the importance of collective action in keeping our workplace and community clean.
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Staff actively participated in collecting litter and promoting responsible waste disposal practices.
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Staff rolled up their sleeves and participated in a hands-on clean-up activity to improve the surrounding environment. Small actions can create a lasting positive impact.

Through these initiatives such as the Green Field Tool, environmental training and improved waste management practices, NPA continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting both people and the environment in Lao PDR.

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Thathsaphone Keomoungkhoun
03 Jul 2026