The PLUP aims for detailed land classification and zoning at the village level, while the PALM provides specific plans for agricultural land, adding detail to the PLUP. In 2020, district authorities conducted PLUP/PALM for the first time in Nanom Village, Xone District in Lao PDR. Prior to this, no grazing land was designated. Through the Agriculture Future Land Use Management Zoning, 37 hectares were allocated as grassland for livestock. Forest conservation areas also increased from 113 to 327 hectares through Forest Land Use Management Zoning. By 2022, all 34 villages in Xone District had land use plans, leading to a District Land Use Plan.
Examples from Lao PDR, including this one, demonstrate several positive impacts of PLUP/PALM: reduced land conflicts, conservation of natural resources, improved land tenure security, sustainable land use, and increased rural income. Additionally, regulated land use has supported nationwide land registration and titling, boosting public revenue through taxes and fees and encouraging investment in rural development.
Success factors of PLUP/PALM for the realisation of positive impacts include:
Capacitate Government Authorities: Ensure authorities have sufficient financial resources, equipment, and training in participatory procedures and modern technology (e.g., GIS tools, UAV drones) for effective PLUP/PALM activities.
Integrate Competent Authorities: Involve various sectors in the planning process, provide spatial data for socio-economic development, and ensure provincial authorities support districts with technical assistance and continuous monitoring of land use plans.
Ensure Community Participation: Engage villagers in the planning process, inform them of their land rights, and involve them in decision-making, with special consideration for women and vulnerable groups. Strengthen local ownership for ongoing management and compliance with land use plans.
For example, the Targeted Awareness Raising (TAR) methodology has been developed to foster local participation. Specifically, the Lao Women´s Union is actively involved to promote the active participation of women.
Link Plans to Follow-Up Actions: Connect land use plans to subsequent measures such as land registration, forest conservation, agricultural extension, and investment allocation to ensure sustainable impacts on income generation and environmental protection at the local level.
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