Africa-Press – Eswatini. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to tackling challenges associated with Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs).
The prime minister made this reaffirmation at the SADC TFCA Summit held in Harare, Zimbabwe. The TFCA challenges include climate change, land degradation, and resource constraints. The summit celebrated 25 years of cooperation in TFCAs under the theme: “Transfrontier Conservation Areas: 25 years of Cooperation for Regional Integration and Sustainable Development.”
Key Points from the Summit
1. Community Involvement: SADC leaders emphasized the need for active participation of rural communities, including youth, in TFCAs. They highlighted the importance of accountability to ensure equitable benefit-sharing in conservation efforts across the region.
2. Eswatini’s Commitment: Dlamini stated that Eswatini is dedicated to addressing TFCA challenges through dialogue and solutions that align with the Paris Agreement and the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan. He praised innovative financing mechanisms that involve a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, local communities, and international partners.
3. Significance of Landscapes: The Prime Minister described Eswatini’s landscapes, such as the Lubombo Plateau and Malolotja Nature Reserve, as vital to the community’s identity and a legacy for future generations. He noted the establishment of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area (LTFCA) in 2000, which reflects a collective commitment to protecting shared ecosystems.
4. Progress in Conservation: Guided by the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the SADC TFCA Programme, Eswatini has made significant progress in harmonizing conservation with human development. The country has achieved Shared Stewardship to ensure sustainable ecosystem management.
5. Empowerment of Communities: The Prime Minister highlighted efforts to empower communities through training and the formation of natural resource committees, which now have access to data on local flora and fauna. Initiatives promoting community-led tourism, climate-smart agriculture, and employment opportunities align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
6. Promotion of Tourism: PM Dlamini emphasized the importance of promoting ecotourism and nature-based tourism, alongside domestic leisure tourism and international business tourism. This initiative represents a collaborative conservation effort, symbolizing a commitment to sustainability, regional cooperation, and socio-economic development for Eswatini and its neighboring countries.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Dlamini’s address at the SADC TFCA Summit underscores Eswatini’s proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges while fostering community involvement and sustainable development. The emphasis on collaboration and innovative solutions reflects a commitment to both conservation and the socio-economic well-being of the region.
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