MASERU- The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has emphasized the importance of soil conservation and management in ensuring the country’s sustainable development. Speaking at the commemoration of World Soil Day, held under the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”, Minister of Environment and Forestry, Mr. Letsema Adonts’i, stressed that soil is a vital resource that underpins food security, water regulation, landscape stability, climate resilience, and the national economy.
“Soll is not just a component of our environment, it is the foundation upon which our nation is built,” Mr. Adonts’i said. “For Lesotho, soil is the backbone of our agriculture, our water resources, and our very livelihoods. When soils are degraded, development is weakened, but when soils are healthy, nations prosper.”
The minister emphasized that the government is committed to evidence-based land and soil management, guided by FAO principles and grounded in sound scientific knowledge. He explained that effective land use planning must begin with a clear understanding of soil capabilities and limitations to guide decisions on farming, construction, conservation, and infrastructure development.
“Planning without soil information lacks a foundation, and sustainable development cannot be achieved without science-based guidance,” Mr. Adonts’i said. To strengthen this approach, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is integrating soil data, land capability assessments, and environmental safeguards into national and local planning frameworks.
Principal Soil Scientist and Land Monitoring Expert at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Mr. Polao Moepi, explained that the purpose of World Soil Day is to educate communities about the importance of soil and to encourage responsible land use. “Soil plays a critical role in all aspects of life, including agriculture, housing, and economic development,” he said.
The commemoration of World Soil Day, held later than the actual date of December 5, was part of the ministry’s continued public awareness efforts. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of soil conservation and management and to encourage all sectors to share responsibility for protecting the nation’s soils.
The government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing land use planning legislation and promoting sustainable land management practices. The ministry has called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure that Lesotho’s soils are protected and managed responsibly for the benefit of present and future generations.
As Lesotho continues to face environmental challenges, the importance of soil conservation and management cannot be overstated. The ministry’s efforts to promote sustainable land use practices and protect the nation’s soils are critical to ensuring a healthy and prosperous future for the country.
