Decree No. 20/Gov on the Management of River Basins and Reservoirs

This Decree regulates the management of river basins and reservoirs to ensure sustainable water resource use and environmental protection within the Lao PDR. It establishes a co-ordinated framework for integrated water resources management (IWRM) focusing on inland waters to support national socio-economic development while maintaining ecological balance. The Decree mandates systematic surveys, inventories, and mapping of basins and reservoirs to serve as a baseline for water allocation and ecosystem conservation. Policy and planning are executed through River Basin Management Plans, which identify priorities for water use and establish water conservation zones to protect headwaters and ecological functions.
Management is decentralized across three levels, involving the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (national), Provincial, and District authorities, while emphasizing public participation through information exchange. Continuous monitoring and data collection are required to track water quality standards and quantity, specifically requiring hydropower developers to install hydrological stations for timely reporting. To mitigate hazards like floods and water shortages or droughts, the Decree requires early warning systems based on defined "watch points" and "danger points". Enforcement and compliance are maintained through regular inspections, with specific provisions addressing offences and penalties for violations such as unauthorized water diversion or pollution.