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STP Development Sole
Vientiane at dusk, with the golden Pha That Luang stupa above the rooftops

Standards and compliance

Standards and compliance

Our plans are written to be approved under Lao law and accepted by international lenders.

Lao PDR legal framework

  1. 01Law on Resettlement and Vocation, No. 45/NA (2018)
  2. 02Decree on Compensation and Resettlement Management in Development Projects, No. 84/GoL (2016)
  3. 03Law on Land (revised), No. 70/NA (2019)
  4. 04Decree on Environmental Impact Assessment, No. 21/GoL (2019)
  5. 05Decree on Criteria for Poverty Graduation and Development, No. 348/GoL (2017)
  6. 06Provincial decisions on compensation unit rates
  7. 07The concession agreement of each project

International standards

  1. 01IFC Performance Standard 5: Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement, with Performance Standards 1, 4, 7 and 8 where they apply
  2. 02ADB Environmental and Social Framework, Environmental and Social Standard 5: Land Acquisition and Land Use Restriction, in effect from 1 January 2026
  3. 03ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (2009), for projects that remain under it

Laws and standards are revised from time to time. Each plan cites the versions in force on the date it is submitted.

Gap analysis

Where the two differ

At the start of each plan we compare the Lao requirements with the lender's standard and record the gaps in a table. Where they differ, the plan applies the provision that better protects affected people, within Lao law.

In practice

What compliance means in the field

  • Replacement cost

    Land and assets are compensated at the cost of replacing them, without deduction for age or depreciation.

  • A declared cut-off date

    Eligibility is fixed by a census and asset survey, endorsed by the authorities and announced in every village.

  • Consultation on record

    Affected people, including women and ethnic groups, are consulted in a form and language they can use, and the answers are documented.

  • Livelihoods restored

    Incomes and living standards are brought back at least to their earlier level, and improved for poor and vulnerable households.

Planning a project that will move people or take land?

Tell us the project type, location and stage. We will reply with the surveys, plans and approvals it is likely to need.

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