Selloane Nyakane
Maseru-The kingdom of Lesotho hosted the 5th national Dialogue that aimed in facilitating the exchange in experiences and insights on natural resources governance, monitoring and enphasising and bolstering ecosystem resilience from Wednesday to Thursday.
In opening of the dialogue, Principal Secretary Environment & Forestry Mrs. Phakamile Xingoana indicated that Lesotho has been actively working on optimising it’s natural resources for Sustainable Development with key initiatives that include integration of natural capital accounting into policy and decision making process .
However, Lesotho has been facing significant challenges in harnessing it’s natural resources for Sustainable Development, which include;
Limited Economic Diversification
The Lesotho’s economy is heavily dependent on few sectors and lack of diversification has made the country vulnerable to external shocks such as ( fluctuations in global demand or climate change impacts)
Water Resource Management
Even though Lesotho is rich in “water” managing it Sustainably is a challenge particularly Lesotho Highlands Water Project . Adding that issues include ensuring equitable distribution,preventing environmental degradation and balancing water exports with domestic need.
Environmental Degradation
“Overgrazing, deforestation and poor land management practices have led to soil ,land degradation,” she said
Adding that this has threatened agricultural productivity and livelihoods of rural communities.
Climate Change
Lesotho is very vulnerable to climate change, frequentdroughts, heavy rains which has exacerbated existing and environmental and economic challenges thus making Sustainable development difficult.
Governance and Policy Implementation
Lesotho for the longest time has been facing challenges related to political instability, policy coherence and the enforcement of environmental and resource management fails dismally.
Also Delivering his Speech; the Head of State, King Letsie III encouraged all stakeholders to raise awareness in preserving natural resources as they are not only source of beauty but also a foundation to the country’s economic development.
He outlined key aspects in Managing natural resources which include:
Sustainable land Management
He said there is a need to implement practices that prevent soil erosion, degradation and promote soil fertility.
“Develop and enforce land use policies that balance agricultural industrial and conversation need,” he stressed
Water Resource Management
The King indicated that water is a great substance of life, it is a vital compound which mankind and all living things depend on for existence in livelihoods.
He urged that its critical that all stakeholders make concerted efforts to preserve water and mitigate all factors man-made or otherwise jeopardize water.
Lastly, there is a need to promote efficient use of water by reducing wastage, maintain water storage and distribution system.
Economic Diversification
His Majesty said there is a need to promote sectors that don’t rely heavily on natural resources thus that can reducing pressure on environment;
“Policy and Governance, health, tourism and renewable energy,” he listed
Moreover, he said there is a need to mobilize sufficient funds that are only dedicated to the protection of ecosystems, biodiversity and protection of environment.
Speaking, The Prime Minister, Ntsokoane Matekane reminded that Lesotho is a remarkable geographic location with natural assets. He listed that it has diverse vegetation, iconic spiral aloe and unique animal species, endemic bogs and wetlands like ( koti Sephola, Lekhalo la Lithunya and Lets’a la Letsie) which contribute significantly to the economy.
Adding, that natural resources such as (Liremo, Moseha, Mohlomo) benefit the communities, however they are deteriorating thus affecting wool and mohair production.
Matekane explained that land degradation is primarily due to unsustainable natural resource utilization, he continued that there is a need for urgent reforms and coordination of “our” institutional and legal framework to ensure effective governance and management.
“Let us strive for fruitful deliberations and informed decision making, synchronize related policies and regulations governing natural resource,”
Moreover, Lesotho’s efforts to optimize it’s natural wealth for Sustainable Development are possible through strategic management of it’s resource, by mainly focusing on its water Resource, Sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism just to list few.
