The Nam Theun 2 Project has acted as a catalyst. The shortcomings o f several previous hydropower and
mining projects in addressing environmental and social safeguards suggest that existing policies were
inadequately implemented. The development o f the Nam Theun 2 Hydroelectric Power Project (NT2);
included extensive and consultative work on impact assessment and preparation o f mitigation and
compensation plans, and has raised the level o f awareness to social and environmental issues amongst
Lao PDR authorities and agencies. The NT2 project itself has developed comprehensive safeguards
structures which lend themselves to replication across the country.