The project aims to address the pressing challenges of water sensitivity and climate resilience of 6 cities across Laos and Cambodia. As cities continue to face the combined effects of rapid urbanization and climate change, it has become imperative to develop localized planning approaches that can effectively manage water resources and enhance resilience against climate-related risks. 

 The target cities lack clear and identifiable planning for water-sensitive and climate-resilient development of urban neighborhoods. This has resulted in increased vulnerability to water-related issues and insufficient measures to adapt to changing climatic conditions. To bridge this gap, the project seeks to develop a locally adapted plan for water-sensitive and climate-resilient urban district development. 

Through an inclusive and participatory approach, the project will engage municipal stakeholders, decision-makers, and relevant departments to collaboratively develop a comprehensive vision for sustainable urban development. This vision will encompass the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization dynamics, ensuring that the resulting plans align with the long-term goals of the municipality. 

The project will further focus on the preparation of detailed sector strategies for two key areas, such as sanitation, wastewater management, urban drainage, water source protection, and waste management. These strategies will be based on the overarching district plan, considering the unique characteristics and needs of the target city. The development and formal adoption of these implementation plans will empower the municipality to effectively address water-related challenges and enhance climate resilience. 

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ) with a project duration between 2023 – 2025. The underlying consultancy aims to be completed within the year 2024.