Ithabeleng Qhasho
THE Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) marked the 40th anniversary of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) this past weekend by launching a large-scale tree-planting campaign at Ha Molapo in Botha-Bothe under the government’s Green Initiative.
The event brought together the government officials, environmental organisations and local communities in a renewed commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Environment and Forestry, Thabo Mofosi, said the ministry’s mandate is to protect and sustainably manage Lesotho’s environment and natural resources.
He said the ministry also provides leadership on climate change, promotes sustainable livelihoods and implements programmes aimed at reducing poverty while safeguarding the country’s natural resources.
Mr Mofosi stressed that environmental conservation requires the participation of every Mosotho, calling for greater public awareness and collective action to protect the country’s forests, biodiversity and ecosystems.
He said the tree-planting campaign forms part of the government’s Green Initiative, which seeks to restore Lesotho’s green landscape and strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change.
Speaking on behalf of the LHDA Chief Executive, Lehlohonolo Joele Molapo praised the continued collaboration between environmental conservation organisations operating within the LHDA project area, saying their contribution had been instrumental in protecting the environment.
Mr Molapo urged environmental conservation programmes and community-based organisations to actively involve livestock herders in their initiatives, saying their participation was essential in preventing land degradation and other environmental damage caused by uncontrolled grazing.
He also encouraged recipients of fruit tree seedlings to care for them properly so they could deliver lasting environmental, nutritional and economic benefits to households.
LHDA Public Relations Manager Mpho Brown said the campaign was organised to celebrate four decades since the launch of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
He said the authority plans to plant 40,000 trees across communities within the project area as part of the anniversary celebrations and its long-term commitment to environmental conservation.
As part of the initiative, the Mats’oana-Fike group received 500 apple tree seedlings, comprising the Top Red, Golden D and Royal Gala varieties.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the group, chairperson ‘Mapalesa Selia said one of the group’s core responsibilities is to protect biodiversity and promote environmental conservation.
She urged Basotho to play their part in restoring the country’s natural environment by caring for the land, protecting wildlife and embracing sustainable environmental practices.
Ms Selia expressed confidence that the apple trees would not only contribute to environmental restoration but also provide members of the group with a sustainable source of income, helping to improve their livelihoods.
