BY NOKUPHILA NXUMALO (INTERN)
SIMUNYE– The Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs through the Department of Forestry, has convened a two-day Lubombo regional engagement at Simunye Country Club to strengthen sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation through collaboration with Chiefs and Traditional Authorities.
According to information shared on the Eswatini National Trust Commission Facebook page, the engagement brings together traditional leaders from across the Lubombo Region to strengthen partnerships, share knowledge and promote community-led environmental solutions that support Eswatini’s conservation goals.
The initiative forms part of a broader national drive aimed at strengthening cooperation with Traditional Authorities in advancing environmental priorities, including the planting of 5 million indigenous trees by 2030, sustainable exotic tree management and invasive alien plant species control.
The meeting also supports enforcement of the Flora Protection Act and aligns with international and national environmental frameworks, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Eswatini’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 3.0.
As custodians of communal land and respected leaders in rural communities, Chiefs and Traditional Authorities continue to play a central role in protecting forests, restoring ecosystems and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Speaking on behalf of ENTC, Chief Executive Officer Mr Thulani Methula highlighted the importance of traditional leadership in mobilising communities towards forest protection, fire management and responsible environmental stewardship.
He reaffirmed ENTC’s commitment to working closely with Chiefs and Traditional Authorities to ensure communities actively participate in protecting forests and strengthening biodiversity resilience.
Representing the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs MP Bongani Nzima emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between Government and local leaders to address environmental challenges affecting communities.
He encouraged collective action to combat deforestation, soil erosion and land degradation while creating opportunities for rural communities to partner with Government in restoration and climate resilience initiatives.
The workshop continues to foster dialogue on key issues affecting forests and ecosystems while developing practical resolutions that strengthen cooperation between Traditional Authorities, the Department of Forestry and environmental stakeholders.
Stakeholders expressed confidence that stronger partnerships with Chiefs and Traditional Authorities would accelerate conservation efforts, empower communities and help secure a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient future for Eswatini.
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(Courtesy Pic)
