Celebrating World Environment Day: the STAF programme advances sustainability in TVET

World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June, is a global call to raise awareness and inspire action for the protection of our environment. This year, the Skills for tourism, agriculture and forestry (STAF) programme proudly highlights a range of sustainable and environmentally responsible initiatives being implemented across vocational schools, colleges and training institutions in the Lao PDR. Let’s explore some of the key activities that are directly linked to this important day.

The following highlights showcase key achievements and ongoing initiatives in the tourism and hospitality sector :

• teacher training on global sustainable tourism criteria : teachers were trained in sustainable tourism standards and participated in the annual conference of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC);
• translation of GSTC standards : collaboration with the GSTC is being supported to translate the standards into the Lao language, making them accessible for the tourism industry and vocational education and training institutions;
• the Academy Vang Vieng Training Hotel and Restaurant maintains its ‘Champion’ status under the Plastic Free Lao certification programme;
• the Academy Luang Prabang Training Hotel and Restaurant has completed initial training and assessment with Plastic Free Lao and is expected to be certified later this year;
• sustainability management plans : both the Academy Vang Vieng and the Academy Luang Prabang are developing sustainability management plans with strong environmental components;
• partnership with Econox Lao has expanded training accessibility under the Plastic Free Lao programme, with 50 businesses trained so far;
• The Academy Pakse Training Hotel and Restaurant : environmental considerations were integrated into the design of the facility.

In the agriculture and forestry sector, the programme has contributed to the following key actions and ongoing efforts :

• environmental protection module : a 32-hour module has been integrated into Certificate Level 1 programmes, equipping students with eco-friendly agricultural practices;
• water system renovations : environmental considerations have been incorporated into the survey and design of water system renovations;
• green checklists have been adopted by non-formal basic vocational training providers to integrate eco-friendly practices, avoid hazardous chemicals, and promote water and energy conservation;
• IT support : the provision of IT equipment and cloud-based systems has reduced reliance on paper and printing, supporting sustainable operations.

In curriculum development, the programme has advanced the following actions and ongoing initiatives :

• cross-cutting themes integration : a commitment has been made to embed sustainability into formal TVET through occupational profiles and curriculum design;
• environment and climate change mainstreaming : the assistant veterinarian curriculum now includes climate change, environmental protection and waste management;
• tourism and hospitality occupational profiles : profiles for barista, bartender and breakfast cook roles incorporate sustainability mindsets and waste management practices;
• agriculture occupational profiles : profiles for commercial chicken and fish farmers are being developed to inform future curriculum revisions.

The programme has also supported a range of initiatives in the area of Revenue Generating Activities (RGA) :

• RGA toolkit development : a toolkit has been developed to support vocational schools and colleges in preparing proposals and business plans for RGA;
• environmental impact requirement : proposals are required to identify potential environmental impacts and to outline safeguards and mitigation strategies;
• evaluation criteria : environmental impact is considered a key criterion in the approval process for RGA.

On this World Environment Day 2026, the STAF programme reaffirms its dedication to sustainability in vocational skills development. These initiatives not only contribute to environmental protection but also empower future generations with the knowledge, skills and mindset to build a greener, more resilient world.

The five-year (2023–2027) STAF programme is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports together with LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.