BY Phumelele Gamedze (Intern)
MBABANE– Stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, conservation institutions and local communities convened in Mbabane to advance gender inclusion in biodiversity governance, as Eswatini strengthens frameworks linking environmental sustainability with equitable participation in decision-making processes affecting natural resources.
The consultative workshop, hosted by the Eswatini National Trust Commission at Hilton Garden Inn, focused on validating findings from a Gender Situational Analysis and refining a draft Gender Plan of Action for the biodiversity sector.
Participants examined barriers that limit equal participation in conservation, including access to resources, representation in leadership structures and the need for improved integration of gender responsive approaches in policy implementation, monitoring and reporting systems.
The discussions are expected to inform Eswatini’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 3.0), a key national framework guiding biodiversity conservation priorities in alignment with international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity, while strengthening inclusive environmental governance.
Stakeholders proposed practical recommendations to enhance coordination among institutions, strengthen community participation and ensure that both women and men are meaningfully involved in biodiversity management, particularly at grassroots level where conservation impacts are most direct.
According to updates shared on the Eswatini National Trust Commission official Facebook page, the validated Gender Plan of Action will serve as a guiding tool to mainstream gender across biodiversity programs and improve accountability in implementation.
Environmental observers note that gender mainstreaming in biodiversity planning is increasingly recognized as essential for sustainable outcomes, as women often play a central role in natural resource use, household resilience and ecosystem stewardship in rural communities.
The Commission emphasized that continued collaboration among stakeholders will be critical in translating policy into action, ensuring that conservation efforts are both inclusive and effective in addressing environmental and social challenges facing Eswatini.
This process also highlights growing recognition of youth and community participation in biodiversity protection, as climate change pressures intensify across Eswatini. Strengthening gender-balanced leadership is seen as vital for building resilient ecosystems, improving livelihoods, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to life on land and equality. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the framework will translate into practical actions benefiting future generations across all regions of the country.
#GenderEquality #Biodiversity #Conservation #GenderMainstreaming #Eswatini #EnvironmentalGovernance #SustainableDevelopment #NBSAP3.0 #ENTC
