Facilitators/barriers to the implementation of public policies and strategies towards water security, Lao PDR

ABSTRACT Lao PDR's growing economy, urbanization, and changing lifestyles are putting pressure on water resources, necessitating effective water management for economic growth and population well-being. This qualitative study aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of water-related policies in Savannakhet and Champassak provinces, both of which are considered vulnerable to reduced water security. Eighty-seven key informants (KIs) have been interviewed about the awareness of water policies/strategies and the facilitators/barriers to the implementation of water policy. Overall, KIs working at the national and provincial levels had a better understanding of existing policies compared with participants from the district officials. According to KIs, facilitators of the implementation of water policies were dissemination of the legislation and policies related to water security to the relevant ministries, departments and agencies, publicizing their obligations under these policies, and increasing community awareness and participation. Identified barriers were lack of technical capacity, infrastructure, and budget and coordination. Overall, these barriers were reported to contribute to a weak and somewhat fragmented approach to water security. Further effort is required to improve inter-agency collaboration and better resource the water resource sector.