BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
HOSEA– Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS), in collaboration with Rural Water under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, is working to establish a wetland conservation site in Hosea to support communities in the kaLiba-Lushini area.
The initiative focuses on promoting sustainable land, water and biodiversity management while strengthening the resilience of communities that depend on natural resources for their livelihoods.
The project places particular emphasis on the rehabilitation and conservation of reeds, which are an important resource for communities in the area. Protecting wetlands and restoring reed areas can help safeguard these natural resources for continued community use.
BERCS and Rural Water are also working to improve the protection of water sources within the wetlands. The initiative responds to challenges previously experienced by communities, including the sharing of water sources between people and livestock.
The practice affected water quality and sanitation, creating a need for improved management and protection of community water sources. Through the project, efforts are being made to rehabilitate wetland areas while promoting better management of water resources. The aim is to improve the quality of water available to communities and support access to clean and potable water.
Rural Water is supporting the initiative as part of efforts to strengthen water quality, sanitation and access to safe drinking water in communities. The collaboration also highlights the connection between environmental conservation and community wellbeing. Healthy wetlands play an important role in supporting water resources, biodiversity and livelihoods, making their protection important for communities that depend on them.
BERCS is working with local communities to promote responsible land and water management practices that can contribute to the long-term sustainability of the area.The rehabilitation of wetlands is expected to create greater awareness among communities about the importance of protecting natural resources and maintaining water sources.
The project further seeks to encourage communities to take an active role in conserving the environment while benefiting from improved water and sanitation conditions.By combining wetland conservation with water resource management, the initiative is addressing environmental and community needs at the same time.
The partnership between BERCS and Rural Water demonstrates how collaboration between organisations and government departments can support practical interventions aimed at improving livelihoods and protecting natural resources.
As work continues in Hosea, the project is expected to contribute to improved land management, biodiversity conservation, reed rehabilitation and safer water sources for communities in kaLiba-Lushini.
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(Courtesy Pic)
