BY NOMTHANDAZO MAYISELA (INTERN)
LOBAMBA– Young people have been urged to play a more active role in protecting Eswatini’s environment as climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation continue affecting livelihoods, food security and natural resources.
The call was made during a youth engagement workshop hosted by the Eswatini National Trust Commission at King Sobhuza Memorial Park. Government officials, environmental stakeholders and youth representatives gathered to discuss biodiversity conservation and climate action under the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 3.0) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0).
Speakers at the workshop stressed that environmental protection could no longer be left to government institutions alone, saying young people would play a major role in shaping the country’s environmental future.
Acting Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Dudu Nhlengetfwa-Masina said young people have often remained underrepresented in environmental decision-making despite being heavily affected by climate-related challenges.
“There has been a clear participation gap,” she said. “Young people are the inheritors of this natural heritage, yet they are often excluded from decision-making spaces.”
Nhlengetfwa-Masina said the revised NBSAP 3.0 and NDC 3.0 frameworks create opportunities for youth participation in climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management initiatives.
ENTC Chief Executive Officer Thulani Methula said environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change and land degradation continue placing pressure on livelihoods, food systems and water resources.
“We need partnerships, innovation and young leaders who are prepared to take ownership of the country’s natural heritage,” said Methula.
Eswatini has in recent years experienced recurring droughts, erratic rainfall patterns and environmental degradation that have affected agriculture, water supply and rural communities. The country also continues aligning its environmental policies with international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement.
Participants at the workshop further called for stronger collaboration between communities, government institutions and young people to strengthen environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
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(Courtesy Pic)
