Thematic Discussion on Green Cities National Dialogue for GEF and GCF 12 – 14 Feb 2019

Process Brainstorming on Green Cities Concept Introduction to Green/Resilient Cities by GGGI and MPWT Discussion on things need to be considered

For GGGI Green Cities are… Innovative & Smart Resource-efficient & Low Carbon Climate Smart & Resilient Prosperous & Bankable Healthy & Liveable Inclusive & Pro-Poor

Current issues in the Lao context Lack of capable human resources, technical capacity and financial resources Lack of community participation Poor zoning within the cities (industry near residential areas) Poor law/regulation enforcement including strict monitoring and evaluation

What needs are there for green cities development Private sector engagement Better zoning Green industry Green City Masterplan Awareness raising so more community participation Application of eco-friendly technologies in all sectors Better environmental management (solid waste, waste water, noise) Better Operation and Maintenance for infrastructure

Potential investment priorities for Green Cities Roads (connectivity and better networks) Flood and river protection Transportation (eco-friendly options like EVs, etc) Solid waste management Air pollution control from industry and vehicles

Improved coordination mechanism Clear mandates and responsibility for each stakeholders (detailed job descriptions) Need to have a City’s strategic plan in which Urban planning and other plans are included for better management and budgeting (one plan/city) More Monitoring and Evaluation

Increased Private Sector Engagement In the form of Public Private Partnership in roads, waste management and recycling, green and energy efficient buildings Barriers especially in solid waste management/recycling: High operating costs, but low volume of waste which doesn’t justify the investment Difficulty of doing business (fees, licenses, many transactions) Low awareness of people and lack of separation at source Incentives Certificate of appreciation Better fiscal incentives (tax exemption, etc) Government lends hand to help with marketing as an intermediary