Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Excellency the Right Honourable Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has called for a united, nation-wide shift from environmental awareness to decisive environmental action, urging every Liswati to plant at least one tree within the next twelve months.
Speaking at the prestigious Temvelo Awards 2025, held on Friday, November 28, 2025 evening at the Royal Swazi Spa Convention Centre in Ezulwini, the Prime Minister said the awards were more than a moment of celebration they are a strategic instrument in driving Eswatini’s sustainable development vision.
He emphasised that protecting the environment is central to national prosperity, touching on food security, climate resilience, economic diversification, job creation, and public health.
A Theme With Urgency
This year’s theme, “Our Land, Our Legacy: Acting on Climate, Nature and Pollution for a Sustainable Eswatini”, set the tone for a ceremony rooted in both reflection and action.
“Umhlaba Uyimphilo Yetfu, Asiwonge! Our land is our life,” he said, stressing that the choices Eswatini makes today will define the future inherited by coming generations.
Global Commitments, Local Action
The Prime Minister noted that Eswatini continues to honour its commitments under major Multilateral Environmental Agreements, including the Paris Agreement, Convention on Biological Diversity, and UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
Returning from COP 30 in Brazil, he said Eswatini is “heading in the right direction” in strengthening its climate resilience. This includes improving meteorological systems, early detection mechanisms, and updating environmental legislation.
He highlighted the newly amended Ozone Depleting Substances and Hydrofluorocarbons Regulations, 2025, which place Eswatini on track for a 75% phasedown of HFCs, in line with the Montreal Protocol.
NDC 3.0: Eswatini Among First in the World
The Prime Minister applauded the nation for being among the first 10 countries globally to submit NDC 3.0, emphasising Eswatini’s firm pledge to cut 2.24 million tonnes of greenhouse gases by 2035.
“This early and decisive action demonstrates leadership, urgency, and integrity,” he said.
Biodiversity Under Threat
Despite its small size, Eswatini remains one of the region’s most ecologically diverse nations, boasting more than 2 400 plant species, many of them endemic.
However, the PM warned that biodiversity continues to face serious threats, including land degradation, pollution, invasive species, unsustainable harvesting, and rapid land conversion.
He stressed the need for bold and sustained action, declaring: “Because our biodiversity is mighty, so too must be our national response.”
Temvelo Awards: Honouring True Champions
The Prime Minister said the Temvelo Awards highlight the collective efforts of communities, private companies, institutions, and individuals committed to environmental protection.
“These awards represent a rekindling of our national environmental spirit,” he said. “We are honouring those who are not just talking sustainability but walking the talk.”
A Million Trees In a Year
In a powerful call to action, the PM invited every citizen to join a national tree-planting movement.
He revealed that 100 people inside the venue would leave carrying a tree to plant, symbolising a personal pledge to the environment.
“If each of us plants one tree in twelve months, Eswatini will add over one million trees,” he said. “This must become our national tradition.”
He directed the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, alongside relevant ministries, to ensure widespread availability of seedlings and to prioritise indigenous species.
Whole-of-Nation Approach
The Prime Minister outlined specific calls to action:
Private sector: Integrate sustainability into core operations, invest in renewable energy, and grow green jobs.
Communities: Manage waste responsibly, plant trees, and protect water sources.
Government: Lead by example and enforce environmental laws consistently.
Development partners: Continue aligning support with national priorities.
Media: Drive environmental awareness and accountability.
He further recognised progress towards establishing the Eswatini Environment Fund, intended to finance community conservation projects and leverage international climate funding.
A Legacy for Future Generations
Congratulating all winners and nominees, Prime Minister said their contributions are shaping a nation where development and environmental protection work hand in hand.
“Let us ensure that the legacy we leave is one of a green, climate-resilient and prosperous Eswatini,” he concluded.
“Our land is our life. Let us protect it, restore it, and pass it on—better than we found it.
Umhlaba Uyimphilo Yetfu, Asiwonge!”
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