ABSTRACTED FROM THE 'APPROACH' SECTION: The national inventory of land purchases and leases in Lao PDR is unique in providing comprehensive in-depth analysis of the extent and impacts of large scale land acquisitions across the country. It represents a major contribution to achieving greater transparency in what has previously been a very opaque field of business, and could serve as a model for other countries. Its major asset is the systematic and spatially-referenced compilation of data on the location, extent and implementation status of land-based investments. These data are useful for the following reasons: • Governments are able to take informed decisions when allocating land for purchase or lease. • The social, economic and ecological impacts of investments are explained. • It is possible to conduct regular monitoring of investment activities and irresponsible companies can be called to account. A scientific baseline is provided for future reference. • Shortcomings in investment policies or land policies are revealed and evidence-based policy-making is enabled.
Authors and Publishers
Affeld, Nike
Data provider
The purpose of the Mekong Land Research Forum online site is to provide structured access to published and unpublished research on land issues in the Mekong Region. It is based on the premise that debates and decisions around land governance can be enhanced by drawing on the considerable volume of research, documented experience and action-based reflection that is available.