Ministerial Decision No. 1251/MAF on the Organisation and Functionality of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection.

This Ministerial Decision defines the organizational structure and mandate of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection (DNREI) within the Lao PDR. It establishes the department as the primary technical body responsible for monitoring and auditing the management of land, water, and forest resources. The broad objective is to ensure that environmental protection policies are strictly enforced, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources while mitigating negative ecological impacts across the nation.
Specifically, the DNREI is tasked with conducting field inspections, investigating environmental violations, and ensuring compliance with established technical standards and laws. The Ministerial Decision outlines specialized duties such as certifying legal timber, monitoring pollution from investment projects, and managing early warnings for environmental emergencies. Furthermore, it grants the Department the authority to suspend activities that cause severe ecological damage and coordinates with judicial bodies to prosecute those who violate natural resource regulations.