BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE – The Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) is engaging businesses, financial institutions and private-sector representatives on their role in protecting the country’s biodiversity and supporting sustainable development through the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 3.0) at Emafini Country Lodge in Mbabane.
The engagement brings together representatives from Business Eswatini, financial institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to explore practical ways of involving the business and financial sectors in implementing Eswatini’s national biodiversity priorities.
The discussions are focusing on sustainable resource use, responsible production and consumption, innovation, investment, partnerships and financing for biodiversity conservation.
Opening the engagement, ENTC Chief Executive Officer and Eswatini’s Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Focal Point, Mr Thulani Methula, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of broadening the national biodiversity conversation beyond government and conservation institutions.
The engagement recognises the connection between biodiversity and key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, forestry, tourism and water resources.
Healthy ecosystems support these sectors, making collaboration between conservation institutions, businesses and financial institutions important in strengthening sustainable economic activity.
The discussions are therefore exploring opportunities for the private and financial sectors to contribute resources, investment and partnerships towards biodiversity conservation and the implementation of NBSAP 3.0.
The process also provides an opportunity for businesses and financial institutions to identify ways in which their operations and investments can support sustainable use of natural resources while contributing to national development.
ENTC has expressed appreciation to Business Eswatini, financial institutions, private-sector representatives and other stakeholders for participating in the engagement and contributing to the national biodiversity process.
The engagement continues as stakeholders explore practical opportunities for collaboration, investment and biodiversity-related financing to support conservation and sustainable development in Eswatini.
#ENTC #NBSAP30 #Biodiversity #BiodiversityConservation #PrivateSector #SustainableDevelopment #GreenInvestment #Eswatini
(Courtesy Pic)
