UNEP Regional Director's Mission to Lesotho

The UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) Regional Director (RD), Rose Mwebaza recently visited Lesotho to engage with the government and assess opportunities for future collaboration. The visit aimed to better understand the country’s needs and challenges concerning environmental sustainability, specifically in land management practices. During the mission, the UNEP delegation sought to identify gaps in current land management activities and explore how they could provide further support to the government and local communities.

One of the key highlights of the visit was a trip to a project site actively implementing land management activities under the IACoV project. At the project site, the Regional Director was deeply impressed by the dedication and resilience of the beneficiaries, particularly in the face of the physically demanding tasks associated with land restoration. The project has seen significant participation from women, many of whom are involved in activities like soil conservation, planting trees, and other labor-intensive tasks aimed at restoring the land. Despite the challenges, the women’s commitment to the project has been unwavering, with many expressing how it has not only improved the land but also provided them with a sense of empowerment and economic opportunity.

This visit allowed the UNEP team to directly observe the impact of the IACoV project, which is providing much-needed support to communities who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. The successful integration of women into these land management activities is a particularly promising outcome, showcasing how environmental sustainability efforts can also contribute to gender equality and community empowerment.

In addition to this, discussions with the government counterparts focused on enhancing coordination and scaling up successful initiatives across the country. The UNEP team emphasized the importance of aligning future support with Lesotho's national priorities, ensuring that any interventions are both effective and sustainable in the long term. The mission was a productive step toward fostering stronger collaboration between the government of Lesotho, UNEP, and other stakeholders in tackling the country’s environmental and socio-economic challenges.

The mission also included a visit to Paul VI High School, where the IACoV project has supported the installation of an Early Warning System (EWS). This area is notorious for experiencing severe lightning storms, which have tragically claimed lives and caused serious injuries to both local communities and school children over the years. The installation of the EWS is a significant development in addressing these hazards, providing crucial information to warn the community and students of impending storms and dangerous weather conditions.

Paul VI High School, located in an area that is particularly vulnerable to harsh weather events, is attended by students who often travel long distances on foot to reach the school. For many of these children, their daily commute involves navigating through difficult terrain and enduring unpredictable weather, which can range from intense heat to violent thunderstorms, often without any advanced warning. The lack of a reliable alert system has exacerbated the risks they face, particularly in a region where sudden lightning storms can strike without much notice.

The new Early Warning System, which has been tailored to the specific needs of the school and surrounding community, will play a vital role in protecting students and their families. With the system in place, students will be alerted ahead of time about the possibility of severe weather, allowing them to take necessary precautions, such as seeking shelter or delaying travel. This will significantly reduce the risks posed by lightning strikes, which have previously resulted in tragic accidents.

The RD commended the installation of the EWS, noting that it reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing environmental challenges and community safety. The UNEP team emphasized the importance of not only improving infrastructure for early warning but also strengthening local capacity to respond to such alerts effectively. This initiative is part of a larger effort to integrate climate resilience into vulnerable areas, ensuring that people are better prepared for the growing challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns.