Lao PDR's forests play a vital role in contributing to economic development, supporting the livelihoods of the people and in providing environmental services. But forest cover has declined from about 70% a few decades ago to around 40%. Forest quality has also deteriorated, with dense forest decreasing from 29% in 1992 to 8.2% in 2005. UNDP in Lao PDR is supporting the Government to achieve its goal of increasing forest coverage back to 70% by 2020 and improving the quality of existing forested areas.

Read UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's message