08/04/2026
🌿 Stakeholders Debate Eswatini’s Capacity Needs for Biodiversity Conservation
A high-level dialogue is underway at King Sobhuza Memorial Park in Lobamba, bringing together stakeholders from across government, civil society, academia, the private sector and the media to interrogate one pressing issue: Is Eswatini adequately equipped to safeguard its biodiversity?
Opening remarks were delivered by the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) CEO Representative, Mduduzi Ndzinisa, who underscored that global commitments alone are insufficient without strong national capacity:
“Translating these global ambitions into meaningful national action requires more than policy commitments. It requires strong institutions, skilled professionals, effective coordination among stakeholders, and sustainable financing mechanisms.”
He further highlighted the purpose of the ongoing process, noting: “The assessment focuses on strengthening the people, institutions, and systems that must be empowered and adequately resourced to deliver tangible biodiversity outcomes across the country.”
Emphasising the broader importance of biodiversity to national development, he added: “Biodiversity plays a vital role in supporting ecosystem services such as water security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, tourism development, and disaster risk reduction.”
Discussions during the session further explored the realities on the ground.
The Lubombo Biosphere Reserve was highlighted as an example of growing ecological strain, where Alien and Invasive Species (IAPS) are rapidly displacing indigenous plant life. This trend reflects broader environmental pressures facing the country, where degradation continues despite the existence of technical strategies and policy frameworks.
At the heart of the dialogue is a recognition that the challenge is not a lack of plans- but a gap in ex*****on capacity.
The workshop is not merely a procedural exercise, it is a platform for refining a national roadmap that will guide capacity development and resource mobilisation towards 2030.
