Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Hon Jane Mkhonta-Simelane has called on all emaSwati to actively protect and sustainably use the country’s wetlands, describing them as both a lifeline for communities and a vital part of Eswatini’s cultural heritage.
During the commemoration of World Wetlands Day 2026, observed on February 2, the Minister said in a press statement that this year’s theme, ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage – Kucondza Ematete Ngelwati Lwemdzabu Nekuwabuketa Ngemhambo Wesiswati,’ highlights the deep connection between indigenous knowledge systems and the survival of wetlands.
She noted that the theme, recognised by the United Nations General Assembly, underscores how generations of communities have lived in harmony with wetlands, using traditional practices that have sustained rivers, marshes, peatlands, dams and ponds over centuries.
“The knowledge passed down through generations offers valuable lessons on how humans can live in balance with nature, even in a changing world,” the Minister said. “As emaSwati, we must appreciate that our traditional practices have played a critical role in sustaining wetlands and can continue to do so for generations to come.”
Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane emphasised that wetlands are essential for water security, biodiversity, food production and livelihoods, making their protection a shared national responsibility. She urged citizens to reflect on cultural wisdom as a foundation for modern conservation efforts, saying this approach can help secure a sustainable future for both people and the environment.
Calling for collective action, the Minister appealed to traditional leaders, community natural resource committees, the private sector, government departments, non-governmental organisations and all development partners to actively support wetland conservation efforts across the country.
She further challenged emaSwati to take practical steps to protect wetlands by stopping pollution, preventing illegal dumping of liquid and solid waste, halting drainage and settlement on wetland areas, and addressing overgrazing. Responsible and sustainable use of wetland resources, she said, is key to preserving these fragile ecosystems.
“Let us act now to clean and protect our wetlands, not only for today but for future generations,” the Minister urged.
She concluded by wishing the Swati Nation a year of progress, unity and renewed commitment to conserving wetlands, stressing that wise use of these ecosystems will continue to improve human livelihoods and environmental resilience in Eswatini.
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