Effective community consultation is a central aspect of contemporary development projects in Lao PDR.  For economic development to achieve environmental and social sustainability, the community and government (Central & Local) must be engaged as a key stakeholder throughout all phases of the project cycle.  Earth Systems Lao has developed strong community & government consultation expertise, and has been highly effective in engaging and interacting with local communities in project affected areas. Consultation activities undertaken by Earth Systems Lao include:

• Liaison with central, provincial, district and village level government authorities through observance of formal political and cultural protocols specific to Lao PDR;
• Initiation and management of community consultation processes;
• Cooperation and collaboration with village and community leaders for the design and implementation of community consultation processes;
• Facilitating negotiations between communities and project proponents.