Deal #6482

The land concession model is highly controversial in Laos for failing to register the traditional ancestral lands and forests of rural forest dependent communities (Hunt, 2014).

Oji Lao Plantation Forest Ltd (LPFL) violated the community’s rights to Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in Bolikhamxay and Khammouane Provinces, in Central Lao PDR. Oji LPFL and government officials were accused of using coercion to gain control of customary lands (Hunt, 2014). Oji LPFL’s FSC certification was terminated in 2015 for inadequate consultation with local communities. Source: Forest and Finance

Oji Paper cleared large areas of forest in areas close to the ADB-funded Theun Hinboun dam, between Route 13 and the Hinboun River. “It is a real disaster there,” comments by observer. “Many people, who have already suffered from catching less fish in the Hinboun River from the dam problem, are now getting the double problem with plantations.” Source: WRM