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Mbabane, Eswatini – The Kingdom of Eswatini this week welcomed delegates from across Africa for a landmark training workshop on reporting Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), reaffirming its commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable development, and regional cooperation.
Speaking at the opening of the event, the representative of the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Constance Dlamini, the Chief Environment Coordinator, celebrated Eswatini’s role as host and underscored the strategic importance of the training.
“This important training has occurred in our jurisdiction at a time when the Government has further prioritized the ‘Engagement of Civil Society on Environmental Management’ in the country’s Programme of Action, commonly known among EmaSwati as the Nkwee Strategy,” she said.
Eswatini’s National Development Plan 2024–2029 prominently features environmental management as both an immediate and long-term priority. The country is a party to over 20 key Multilateral Environmental Conventions, several of which have been domesticated into national legislation.
The workshop—jointly supported by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)—aims to strengthen journalists’ capacity to report accurately and effectively on these critical agreements.
Deep Dive into the Rio Conventions
Participants will receive training on the Rio Conventions, namely the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
“Eswatini’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is a key framework developed to fulfill obligations under the CBD,” the Principal Secretary’s representative noted, adding that the country is currently revising the NBSAP to align with the new Global Biodiversity Framework.
Eswatini’s rich biodiversity spans Highveld, Middleveld, and Lowveld regions, supporting tourism, traditional medicine, water purification, and soil fertility. The government recently adopted a National Wetlands Policy, which is now being rolled out to communities nationwide.
Balancing Conservation with Development Needs
Eswatini’s conservation record under CITES has been lauded globally, yet the country faces challenges such as human-wildlife conflict, deforestation, and overharvesting of endangered species.
“Let me take the opportunity to challenge the African Union to ensure that we as EmaSwati learn of innovative approaches to deal with these drawbacks, particularly on how best to integrate the conservation agenda into our societies while meeting their needs,” she urged.
Land degradation remains a major threat in Eswatini’s Lowveld, driven by overgrazing and poor land practices. Increased frequency and severity of droughts pose further risks to food security and rural livelihoods.
The representative called on participants to explore regional and global solutions for sustainable land management, land restoration, soil health, and drought resilience.
Tackling Plastic Pollution and Chemical Waste
The training also comes as the African Union coordinates regional negotiations on a new Global Plastic Pollution Treaty.
Eswatini has been proactive on this front through initiatives like “Phatsa Sakho Nawe”, which encourages citizens to reduce plastic waste by bringing reusable shopping bags.
“We are currently engaged in wider national discussions on the most appropriate approach to gradually ensure alternatives to plastics,” the Ministry’s representative said.
She also reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to implementing the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions on chemicals and waste. The government is currently developing policies and legislation to domesticate these conventions and support comprehensive MEA reporting.
“This training happens at a time when the country is undertaking numerous country reports, courtesy of the Secretariats of the various Conventions,” she explained.
Climate Commitments
Eswatini has submitted its Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the UNFCCC, outlining its climate mitigation and adaptation targets. The Ministry is currently pursuing a consultative approach to develop National Climate Change Legislation to meet these ambitions.
A Call for Continued Collaboration
Closing his remarks, the Principal Secretary’s representative thanked the African Union Commission and UNEP for their partnership and for selecting Eswatini as the host of this important capacity-building exercise.
> “We are pleased that you have chosen Eswatini to impart effective reporting tools and assure you that the Ministry will build on this very rare resource—knowledge and understanding of the challenging environmental field,” he said.
He also invited the organizers to ensure that participants experience Eswatini’s biodiversity-rich landscapes and unique cultural heritage, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental conservation, and regional cooperation.
