Law No.11 on National Heritage.

This Law on National Heritage establishes the legal principles and regulations for the management, protection, and restoration of cultural, historical, and natural heritage in Laos. It seeks to preserve the nation's identity and diverse ethnic traditions while promoting heritage as a resource for sustainable socio-economic development and tourism. The Law categorizes heritage into local, national, and world levels, providing a structured system for the identification and conservation of both tangible and intangible assets.
The legislation introduces robust provisions for natural heritage, which include protected landscapes, geological formations, and habitats of endangered species. It mandates the establishment of "Heritage Zones" where activities like construction, logging, or land excavation are strictly regulated or prohibited to prevent environmental degradation. The Law requires environmental impact assessments for any development near these sites and outlines cooperation between the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Furthermore, it sets severe criminal penalties for those who damage natural monuments or engage in the illegal trade of protected biological specimens.
In addition, the legislation outlines the responsibilities of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism in coordinating with local authorities to maintain an official registry and monitor the physical condition of heritage assets.