The activities at the faculties of environmental sciences, natural sciences, and economics and business administration are aimed at broadening the knowledge of students and lecturers on the management and protection of the natural environment.

An agreement was officially signed in Vientiane on Friday between EPF president Khampadith Khammounheuang and representatives from the three faculties.

The project will run for four years (2016-20), to bolster understanding of environmental protection, sustainable natural-resource management, biodiversity conservation, and associated community development.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Khampadith said these projects would support the Laotian government’s policy-reform agenda towards improved environmental management. One project component, specifically strengthening understanding among students and lecturers at NUOL on environmental protection and sustainable natural resources, will be implemented at a total cost of $658,075.

Another component for the capacity enhancement of natural-science studies relating to environmental protection will improve the curriculum and cost $598,700.

A community-engagement project would also be implemented, costing $799,920. This would help to strengthen biodiversity conservation in target provinces and provide support for communities in sustainable environmental management activities, Khampadith said.