BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MANZINI – Young people from across the Manzini Region have been encouraged to take an active role in addressing climate change and protecting the environment through practical actions in their communities.
The call was made during the Manzini Regional Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Eswatini 2026, hosted by Matsapha Town Council, where young people gathered to learn, engage and share ideas on environmental issues and climate change.
Matsapha Town Council Environmental Health and Community Services Manager Mancoba Zwane, highlighted the importance of developing a culture of environmental responsibility among young people. Zwane said while clean-up campaigns played an important role in keeping the environment clean, environmental action should also include activities such as planting trees, growing vegetables and creating gardens.
He said such activities could help nurture a generation that appreciates and embraces a clean, green and sustainable environment. This provided a platform for young people to discuss environmental issues, exchange knowledge and consider how climate change affects their future.
It brought together various youth organisations and initiatives, including Hlumisa Youth Climate Network, Eco Harmony Eswatini, Eswatini Youth in Water, Youth Sustainable Development Centre (YSDC), Bayane High School Eco-Club and Climate Change Youth Parliament (CCYP).
These were aimed at encouraging young people to think critically about climate change and understand the role they can play in promoting environmental protection and sustainability. The conference further provided an opportunity for youth organisations and initiatives to share ideas and engage on ways of contributing to climate action.
Through platforms such as LCOY, young people are given an opportunity to make their voices heard on environmental issues while gaining knowledge that can support action within their communities.
The conference highlighted the importance of making environmental protection part of everyday life, with young people encouraged to take practical steps such as planting trees, growing vegetables and creating gardens. It also provided a platform for youth to participate in climate and environmental discussions, share ideas and explore ways of contributing to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Eswatini.
#LCOY #YouthForClimate #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalAwareness #YouthEmpowerment #SustainableFuture #MatsaphaTownCouncil
