Eswatini Unites to Restore Its Land: World Environment Day 2024 Inspires Action

Manzini — A spirit of unity and determination filled the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre on June 5th, 2024, as over 300 stakeholders gathered to mark World Environment Day. Under the global theme “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”, the event served as a national rallying call to confront the growing threats of land degradation — and to restore Eswatini’s natural heritage before it’s too late.

Hosted by Women Unlimited Eswatini alongside the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) and other partners since 2022, the day again went far beyond speeches. It became a platform for action, where government leaders, private companies, youth, and communities vowed to work together for a greener, more resilient Eswatini.

A Wake-up Call for the Nation

Opening the symposium, speakers painted a sobering picture of the challenges Eswatini faces. “Land degradation threatens our food security, water resources, and the very future of our children,” the Honourable Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane said. She urged the nation to act decisively: “We must invest in sustainable farming, improve infrastructure to prevent soil erosion, and harness nature-based solutions to heal our land.”

Her call was echoed by EEA Board Chairperson Mr. Simelane, who spoke of the power of partnerships: “The challenges we face are daunting. But together; through government, communities, and industry, we can build a more sustainable and resilient future.”

The Voices of Women and Youth

A voice for gender equality came from Vimbai Kapurura, Founder and Executive Director of Women Unlimited Eswatini. She highlighted the critical role women play in restoring degraded land and building drought resilience. “Women must not be sidelined in environmental efforts,” she said. “Their leadership is key to achieving sustainability and equity.” Kapurura also applauded the Eswatini government’s ban on single-use plastics, calling it a crucial step in protecting land from further harm.

Meanwhile, youth leader Generous Takaruva, a St. Marks student, shared how his Pure Life Initiative is inspiring his peers to become active stewards of the environment. His message was clear: the future of the land belongs to the youth, and they are ready to rise to the challenge.

Turning Words Into Action

Experts like Dr. Wisdom Dlamini unpacked the complex causes of Eswatini’s land degradation — from unchecked tree-cutting and invasive species to poor infrastructure planning that leaves the land vulnerable to erosion. He called for communities to be at the heart of solutions, blending indigenous knowledge with modern innovations.

Panel discussions throughout the day tackled tough questions: How can we balance industrial growth with environmental protection? How can agriculture and infrastructure development serve, rather than harm, the land? What must be done to ensure policies are enforced and funding sustained?

The answer, speakers agreed, lies in collective action — and in treating the land not as an afterthought, but as the foundation of Eswatini’s survival and prosperity.

A Future Built on Restoration

As the day drew to a close, one message rang loud and clear: the time for talk has passed. Eswatini’s path to land restoration will require intentionality, investment, and inclusion. From reforestation and soil conservation to the adoption of sustainable farming and resilient infrastructure, the solutions are within reach; if everyone plays their part.