This NBSAP laid out an action plan to 2010 and strategy to 2020.  Given that the Lao PDR is in the process of drafting a 2^nd NBSAP that is updated for the current context and seeks to respond to lessons learned from drafting and implementation of the 1^st NBSAP, an assessment of the 1^st NBSAP document and implementation progress was needed. This assessment revealed that key progress under the first NBSAP fell in the following areas: 

• biodiversity research;

• recording of local knowledge;

• expansion of NPAs;

• implementation of management plans in a few key NPAs;

• drafting of a Biosafety Law;

• expansion of ecotourism;

•  Land Use Planning and land allocation;

• Ramsar accession;

• and, stricter EIA/ESIA laws.