Africa-Press – Lesotho. Sustainable financing stands as one of the top priorities towards the successful implementation and long-term security of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN).
This was said by the Acting Director of the Department of Environment in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ms. Qongqong Hoohlo, at the official launch of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative held in Maseru on Monday.
In her remarks, Ms. Hoohlo mentioned that Lesotho’s rich biodiversity continues to face increasing threats from climate change, land degradation and unsustainable use of natural resources, hence the urgent need for innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms to protect and manage the country’s ecosystems.
She indicated that the Biodiversity Finance Initiative provides an opportunity for government, private sector and development partners to work together in mobilising financial resources that will support biodiversity conservation while also contributing to national development priorities.
Ms. Hoohlo further stated that the initiative aligns with Lesotho’s commitments under international environmental agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and will assist the country in closing the biodiversity financing gap through improved planning, policy reforms and investment strategies.
She emphasised that the success of BIOFIN will depend largely on strong stakeholder collaboration, effective governance and continuous capacity building, adding that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that biodiversity conservation is integrated into national and sectoral development plans.
The launch was attended by representatives from government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector, who echoed the importance of sustainable financing in safeguarding Lesotho’s natural heritage for future generations.
