By Phiwa Sikhondze
Eswatini joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Environment Day with a significant focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience under the theme “Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.
At the commemoration event held at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta, delivered the keynote address highlighting the critical importance of land preservation for the present and future generations.
“As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on Combating Desertification, it is incumbent upon us to reflect on our actions and reaffirm our commitments to preserving and restoring our precious land,” she stated.
In her address, Minister Mkhonta emphasized the harsh realities of land degradation in Eswatini, driven by factors such as rural access needs and infrastructure development.
She called for decisive actions to reverse this trend, advocating for sustainable farming methods, infrastructure development to minimize soil erosion, and leveraging innovative technologies for land rehabilitation.
“The degradation of our land not only threatens our environment but also jeopardizes our food security. We must all join hands to protect our land,” Mkhonta urged.
One of the key strategies discussed was the investment in sustainable farming methods and infrastructure improvements to promote sustainable land use practices.
The minister also stressed the importance of reforestation initiatives, soil conservation measures, and the promotion of agroforestry systems as part of a broader effort to restore degraded ecosystems.
Mkhonta also praised the Eswatini Environment Fund for its crucial role in mobilizing resources to support environmental projects across the country.
“Since its establishment, the Environment Fund has been leading our journey towards restoring our land, providing vital resources and support for initiatives aimed at combating desertification, promoting drought resilience, and restoring degraded ecosystems,” she said.
The Fund has significantly benefited several communities across Eswatini, aiding in various land restoration projects. The Minister expressed gratitude to these communities for their dedication and resilience in restoring the land, noting that their efforts have led to tangible progress toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
In concluding her address, Mkhonta called for concerted efforts from all sectors of society to continue working towards land restoration.
“I urge each one of us to take action, no matter how small, towards the restoration of our land,” she said, emphasizing the need for sustainable land management practices and policy advocacy.
Concurring with the Minister, the Chairperson of the Board of the Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA), Mlungisi Simelane, underscored the importance of collaboration and partnership in environmental conservation efforts.
“Our organization has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at combating desertification, promoting drought resilience, and restoring degraded ecosystems. Through our collective efforts, we have made significant progress in safeguarding the integrity of our land,” he stated. Simelane highlighted the EEA’s commitment to working closely with government ministries, non-governmental organizations, communities, and other stakeholders to leverage collective resources and efforts.
He also acknowledged the invaluable partnership and collaboration of the communities served by the EEA, recognizing their local knowledge, resilience, and active participation as instrumental in the success of environmental initiatives.