The JuSTICE Project, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), supported the Department of Justice Administrative and Promotion Department (JAPD) of the Ministry of Justice of Lao PDR in organising a five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Environmental Mediation. The training, which took place in Vang Vieng from 8-12 December 2025, brought together 22 master trainers from JAPD, alongside representatives from the Lao Women’s Union, the police, and other relevant stakeholders, with the objectives to strengthen national capacity to deliver environmental mediation training at provincial and community levels.
Over five days, participants engaged in an intensive and practice-oriented training combining legal context, mediation theory, and facilitation skills. The training explored the foundations of environmental conflict and mediation, examining how disputes arise around land, natural resources, and environmental management, and how mediation can serve as an effective tool to address tensions between public authorities, communities, and other stakeholders.
Subsequent sessions addressed the legal and policy frameworks relevant to environmental mediation in Lao PDR. Participants discussed the interface between mediation processes and existing legal mechanisms, strengthening their understanding of how mediation can complement formal dispute resolution systems while remaining firmly grounded in the rule of law. These exchanges highlighted the importance of aligning mediation practices with existing institutional and legal arrangements.
A core component of the ToT focused on the mediation process itself. Participants practiced key mediation skills such as active listening, reframing interests and positions, brainstorming options, drafting clear and workable agreements, and took part in simulation exercises. In parallel, the training placed strong emphasis on trainer and facilitation skills. Participants were introduced to adult learning principles, participatory training methods, and techniques for simplifying complex concepts for non-expert audiences.
A follow-up session is planned in 2026 prior to the cascading of the training, in line with JAPD’s environmental mediation plan to train trainers at the province and district level, who will in turn train village mediation units. The JuSTICE Project will support this environmental mediation initiative in two pilot provinces, Phongsaly and Luang Prabang, where AFD supports other rural development initiatives.
