Cross-Cutting Themes

The WWF is run at a local level by the following offices...

WWF-Laos integrates key cross-cutting themes across its conservation programmes to ensure inclusive, impactful, and sustainable outcomes.

The cross-cutting themes include gender equality, disability inclusion, public engagement – especially with youth – and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.

We prioritize advocacy, behaviour change, policy engagement, and environmental education to raise awareness and drive lasting impact. Through strong partnerships, we promote good governance, transparency, and local ownership. An Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) is also applied to reduce risks and uphold accountability. By embedding these themes into every aspect of our work, WWF-Laos strives to build a future where both people and nature are empowered, included, and thrive together.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

At WWF, we recognize that promoting gender equality and social inclusion is essential to achieving lasting conservation impact. Guided by WWF’s Gender Policy, we are committed to a society where women, men, boys, girls, and gender minorities have equal access to rights, responsibilities, and opportunities in all areas of life. We treat gender equality as a fundamental human right and integrate this perspective across our policies, programmes, and institutional structures.

WWF understands that gender and social roles are shaped by cultural and social contexts – and that they evolve. Through our Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) approach, we work to remove barriers, amplify diverse voices, and create inclusive spaces in which all people can meaningfully participate in and benefit from conservation. From leadership roles to community actions, we aim to ensure equity, dignity, and shared responsibility for protecting our natural world

Climate Change

Climate change is a major threat to biodiversity, ecosystems, and rural livelihoods. WWF-Laos integrates climate adaptation and mitigation across all programmes, linking forest restoration, watershed protection and circular economy solutions. Through its circular resilience work, WWF-Laos supports delivery of national targets related to the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change, while helping communities adapt to floods, droughts and heatwaves.

Focus areas include ecosystem-based adaptation, climate-smart agriculture, and pollution reduction to protect both people and nature in a changing climate.

Environmental and Social Safeguards

WWF-Laos is committed to ensuring that our conservation work respects human rights, promotes equity, and supports sustainable development. Guided by WWF’s global Statements of Principles and Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF), we apply nine safeguards to manage risks and strengthen our accountability – especially in on-the-ground work with communities and partners.

These safeguards help identify, prevent, and respond to potential environmental and social impacts, while upholding the rights of local people, promoting gender equality, and ensuring inclusive conservation. In Laos, we apply these tools across our landscapes to foster transparency, build trust, and ensure that conservation benefits people and nature alike.

Sustainable Food and Agriculture

Unsustainable farming practices threaten forests, freshwater, and food systems. WWF-Laos promotes nature-positive agriculture that supports biodiversity, restores ecosystems, and enhances sustainable livelihoods.

Through agroecology, climate-smart techniques, and reduced pesticide use, we work with farming communities – especially women and youth – to secure food sources, improve soil health, and reduce environmental pressure. These efforts align with national green growth policies and global goals for food system transformation, ensuring a future where both people and nature can thrive.

PARTNERSHIPS

Partnership is at the heart of WWF-Laos’ conservation approach. From local communities to high-level government agencies, strategic collaboration drives lasting impact. WWF-Laos works closely with ministries, civil society, the private sector and development partners to co-create solutions that are inclusive, practical and scalable.

At regional and global levels, WWF-Laos contributes to transboundary platforms and supports international frameworks such as the United Nations’ Global Biodiversity Framework, Framework Convention on Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals – positioning Laos as an active player in global conservation and collective action for people and nature

Policy Advocacy and Public Engagement

At WWF-Laos, we believe that lasting conservation begins with people. Our advocacy and public engagement efforts aim to raise awareness, influence policy, and inspire behaviour change that supports a more sustainable future for Laos. We work closely with government, communities, youth, educators, media, and civil society to promote environmental values and drive collective action.

From national dialogues and policy recommendations to school campaigns and public events, our initiatives encourage people to understand, care about, and act for nature. By empowering local voices and promoting responsible choices – such as reducing plastic use or protecting endangered species – we help build a conservation movement that is inclusive, informed, and impactful.

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