Central Level Training and Implementation Structure Discussed to Support the Nationwide Deployment of PDMS

The Government of Laos issued Prime Minister’s Order No. 11 in July 2023 to strengthen the management, protection, development, and use of forests and forestland. In this context, the Provincial Deforestation Monitoring System (PDMS), developed by JICA, has been recognized as an important tool for monitoring deforestation in target forest areas. In May 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) officially endorsed PDMS as a national forest monitoring tool. Following this endorsement, efforts have been made to establish a central-level implementation structure to promote PDMS nationwide. The Department of Forestry (DOF), in collaboration with other relevant departments, has been working on drafting the terms of reference (ToR) and proposing team members for national-level coordination.

In March 2025, a PDMS central-level meeting and a Training of Trainers (ToT) session were held with 24 participants from the DOF, Department of Forest Inspection (DOFI), and Department of Agriculture and Land Management (DALAM). The participants received basic training on PDMS operations and drone use, with the aim of preparing them to serve as trainers for capacity-building activities at the provincial and district levels. Although some participants found the training challenging because of unfamiliar tool, it fostered a strong sense of collaboration and built momentum among departments for promoting PDMS implementation.

During the final session of the meeting, participants discussed the draft ToR and proposed team structure for central-level implementation, and reached a consensus on establishing the central coordination and implementation structure. Based on this agreement, the formal approval process is currently underway. The central level team is expected to play a leading role in promoting and utilizing PDMS for forest monitoring across the country.