Space Technology and Geographic Information Systems Applications in adb projects

ENVIR
ONMENT

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Space Technology and Geographic Information Systems Applications in Asian Development Bank Projects
Spatial Multi-Criteria Assessment for Rubber Plantations in Lao People’s 
Democratic Republic 
Project Title
Spatial Muti-Criteria Assessment for Rubber Plantations in Lao People’s Democratic Republic 
GIS Application
Mapping land sustainability for sustainable investments
GIS Data 
Soil fertility, accessibility, slope, existing land use, existing level of protection
GIS Cost
Not available
Users
Expert group such as Water Resources and Environment Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and 
Forestry, National Land Management Authority, Ministry of Energy and Mines, and National 
Tourism Authority
GIS = geographic information systems. 
Context
Over the past 2 decades, the GMS has experienced significant economic growth. With investment 
volume increasing, and much of the natural resources already being allocated, finding suitable areas 
for additional investments becomes increasingly challenging. Remaining resources may not be of 
optimal quality and economic opportunity, and additionally, are likely to fall into remote and vulnerable 
areas that impose higher environmental costs. Additionally, the increasing density of investments also
requires factoring in the cumulative impacts of new investments on existing ones. If this complexity is 
not appropriately considered and addressed in planning and allocating future investments, they might be 
placed in areas that yield more costs than benefits to both the investor and society.
Contribution of Geographic Information Systems 
To address the issues mentioned with suitable planning tools, the Environment Operations Center 
has taken steps to increase awareness and build conceptual and technical capacity on spatial multi-
criteria assessments. This tool is based on collating and structuring knowledge from nonspatial experts 
in a hierarchical way, which is subsequently translated into a map using a GIS. Executing a geographic 
criteria tree in a GIS produces a feasibility layer that integrates economic suitability with environmental 
and social vulnerability and its associated cost implications. Such a layer provides planners with a 
comprehensive picture of opportunities and implications, reducing the risk of suboptimal allocations for 
specific investments and maximizing the opportunities between competing sectors. 
Results
This functionality was demonstrated in a pilot application on demand for rubber concessions in Lao PDR. 
A cross-institutional expert group comprised of Water Resources and Environment Agency, Ministry 
of Agriculture and Forestry, National Land Management Authority, Ministry of Energy and Mines, and 
the National Tourism Authority was formed and jointly developed a criteria tree for rubber plantations. 
Nongovernment and international stakeholders were asked to provide additional inputs. The final 
criteria tree was implemented in a GIS and maps highlighting potential areas for rubber investments 
were produced. These materials were used as a base for a GIS “training of national trainers,” who then 
applied their knowledge on conceptual design and implementation at the provincial level, conducting an 
awareness-raising event in Savannakhet Province in June 2010.