BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – The Kingdom of Eswatini has pledged strong support for Africa’s environmental agenda during the 20th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN-20),held in Nairobi , Kenya.
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane highlighted Eswatini’s growing commitment to climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and pollution control. She applauded the co-hosts Libya and Kenya, and commended Zimbabwe’s preparations to host the 15th Meeting of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The Minister emphasized Eswatini’s vulnerability to climate-induced droughts and outlined national strategies including a 10-year National Drought Plan aligned with the UNCCD Drought Initiative. She reiterated Eswatini’s dedication to the Abidjan Declaration on Drought, citing its urgency in the face of escalating land degradation across the continent.
Eswatini’s efforts to manage pollution were also spotlighted. The country is reviewing legislation to strengthen the management of chemicals and waste, and is actively preparing for the Global Plastic Pollution Treaty. Public campaigns such as Phatsa Sakho Nawe were credited for raising awareness and promoting reusable alternatives.
In biodiversity conservation, Eswatini has been internationally recognized for its implementation of the CITES treaty. The Minister raised concerns about human-wildlife conflict and deforestation, calling for shared knowledge and innovative community-led conservation solutions.
Mkhonta-Simelane also revealed that Eswatini’s new National Development Plan (2024–2029) places environmental and climate priorities at the center of its strategy for the first time. She emphasized the need for climate finance and regional collaboration to meet Africa’s green goals.
The Kingdom endorsed the adoption of the Tripoli Declaration on Environmental Action in Africa and expressed full support for AMCEN’s efforts to unify the continent’s voice ahead of the upcoming United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7).
“Multilateralism is not just a negotiation table, it’s a lifeline,” the Minister declared, urging stronger partnerships, especially between environmental and finance ministries.
Eswatini also praised UNEP’s ongoing support and called for increased, predictable funding to help turn commitments into action on the ground.
(Courtesy Pics)
