Thousand Islands New Area - The Sithandone SEZ Project

The Sithandone Special Economic Zone (SEZ), also known as the Thousand Islands Project, is a landmark USD 9 billion tourism and casino development in Khong District, Champasak Province. Strategically located along the Mekong River near the Lao–Cambodian border, the SEZ aims to transform the area into a premier international tourism destination. Connected Consultant Sole Co., Ltd. played a pivotal role in preparing the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), which assessed the impact of resort and casino operations, golf courses, and infrastructure expansion on wetland ecosystems, endangered species, and riverside communities. The ESIA included a biodiversity impact assessment, community consultations in over 10 affected villages, and proposed mitigation measures to protect migratory fish, wetlands, and cultural heritage sites. The project demonstrates how large-scale tourism development can be guided by responsible environmental and social planning in fragile ecosystems.