Boosting Sustainable Development and Management of Inland Capture Fisheries and Aquaculture Toward Food Security in Lao PDR

Abstract

Although the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is a landlocked country without direct access to the ocean, its fisheries sector plays a vital role in national food security, livelihoods, and rural development. The country’s abundant inland water resources such as rivers, reservoirs, floodplains, wetlands, and rice fields particularly the Mekong River and its tributaries, support a rich diversity of aquatic life that sustains millions of people. The fisheries sector in Lao PDR is predominantly small-scale and community-based, providing a critical source of protein and income for rural households. In recent years, aquaculture has grown steadily, helping to meet rising domestic demand and offering potential for export. Recognizing the strategic importance of the sector, the government actively promotes sustainable fisheries development, including encouraging both domestic and foreign business investment in aquaculture. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including overfishing, habitat degradation, weak regulatory frameworks, the impacts of hydropower development, environmental pressures, and climate change. Expansion is also constrained by limited infrastructure and resources.

This article explores the current status of inland capture fisheries and aquaculture in Lao PDR, analyzing key challenges and opportunities. It highlights government efforts, in collaboration with regional partners, to improve fisheries governance, strengthen policies, monitor biodiversity, and promote sustainable, climate-resilient aquaculture. This article also underscores the critical role of sustainable fisheries in achieving national food and nutrition security while preserving the country’s natural aquatic ecosystems.