Seithati Motsoeneng
EFFORTS to restore degraded wetlands in Lesotho are gaining momentum, with the non-profit organisation, ReNOKA, and its partners reporting progress in protecting key water sources that supply millions across Southern Africa.
The progress was highlighted during this week’s World Water Day commemoration in Khubelu, Mokhotlong, where restoration work is ongoing under the ReNOKA programme.
Lesotho, known as the “Water Tower of Southern Africa”, contributes about 40 percent of the Orange-Senqu River Basin’s annual runoff, despite covering only three percent of its catchment area. The basin supplies water to Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
However, this critical resource is under threat from land degradation driven by unsustainable land use and climate change.
In response, ReNOKA, with support from the European Union, the German government and GIZ, is implementing Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) measures to restore ecosystems and protect water quality.
ReNOKA (“we are a river”) is dedicated to protecting and restoring land and water resources through integrated catchment management. It addresses land degradation, climate change, and water security in Lesotho and the Orange-Senqu River Basin.
It was at this event where it was revealed that over the past year, nearly 10 hectares of degraded shrubland and grassland in Khubelu, damaged mainly by mining activities, have been rehabilitated. Interventions included the construction of check dams to slow water flow and the installation of stone bunds to reduce soil erosion and promote vegetation regrowth.
The rehabilitation works, completed in May 2025, were funded at a cost of M4.8 million.
Officials said the project is critical in securing downstream water flows, as the Khubelu River feeds into the Polihali Dam, a key component of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
European Union Ambassador to Lesotho, Mette Sunnergren, said the initiative underscored the importance of protecting water sources across the entire basin.
“The Source to Mouth campaign reminds us that wherever we are in the basin, it is our responsibility to protect the environment for the benefit of water resources,” Ms Sunnergren said.
She also said the ReNOKA programme continued to address erosion through a holistic approach that includes rangeland management, stormwater diversion and terrace rehabilitation.
The project also adopted a community-based model, involving local authorities, residents and government stakeholders in planning and implementation to ensure long-term sustainability.
The ICM National Coordinator, Makomoreng Fanana, said the event was meant to reflect on interventions implemented to restore land and water resources in the Khubelu catchment.
He said the commemoration also marked World Water Day and urged the public to actively participate in efforts to protect and restore natural resources to ensure sustainable water generation in Lesotho’s rivers.
Mr Fanana commended communities living around the catchment for their role in safeguarding land and water resources.
The Chief of Pae-la-Itlhatsoa, Chieftainess ’Mamasiphola Sekonyela, also welcomed the initiative, thanking ICM for implementing soil conservation measures in the Khubelu sub-catchment to ensure continuous water generation from local sources.
A community representative, Lentsoete Mohai, said residents are committed to continuing efforts to protect the environment, improve biodiversity and sustain water resources.
As part of the campaign, a mobile exhibition will be launched to raise awareness about the link between land management, wetlands and water security.
