Vientiane Plain, Laos

Overview

This project’s goal was to build human and institutional capacity in-country and resilience in agricultural productivity––through sustainable use of groundwater for local farmers on the Vientiane Plain, Lao PDR.

Approach

Hydrogeophysical techniques have been used to identify and characterize the hydrogeology and determine the quantity and quality of groundwater over a cross-section of the Vientiane Plain. The project collaboration has built and strengthened capacity within stakeholders from government, university and the community.

This SEG GWB project has been a great stepping stone for further intensified engagement and collaboration of the project partners in enhancing the utility of groundwater for agricultural development with funding from Australian Water Partnership (AWP) and other funding partners. Flinders University, IWMI and partners continue working with Lao DPR’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) to progress its sustainable groundwater management plans through policy support and training in four provinces (April 2025).

Impact

The project had extensive engagement with the Lao government, university staff and students in teaching and field activities demonstrating the beneficial use of multiple hydrogeophysical techniques.

A large group of Lao PDR students were informed and trained via workshops and field participation. Several students benefited from this project in supporting their research and achievements in receiving a MSc/PhD degree at Flinders University.

The project has contributed to the on-ground capacity for better valuing the opportunities of groundwater, therefore increasing the resilience of agriculture to climatic uncertainties.

The project interacted with farmers on measuring groundwater levels and informing them and district representatives of the role and opportunities of groundwater resources in local development.

The project has contributed to the development of hydrogeological maps and delineation of good and poor-quality water to lower the risk of well failure and groundwater contamination on the Vientiane Plain.