The Environmental Research Institute started work as a separate entity in 2000. Its research programme is intended to lead to long term protection and development of the nation’s natural resources, and thereby contribute to sustainable development and a higher quality of life for the Lao people. Comprising four centres and one division, the Institute has four main functions: to conduct research on sustainable use of natural resources (specifically water and biological resources), on implementation of environmental policy and regulations, on the technology of pollution prevention and control and on the linkage between environment and development, specifically environment and poverty; to undertake environmental quality monitoring at national level as well as being the third-party monitoring body; to compile environmental data, formulate the State of Environment Report of Lao PDR and publish environmental indicators; and to build capacity of Lao staff in the environmental field through short-term courses. Major research topics include the impacts of climate change on Lao water resources and biodiversity, and the effects of air pollution and acid rain. It has published various research and environmental monitoring reports as well as training materials.