The establishment of a new Big Five nature reserve in the Lubombo region of Eswatini has taken a step forward with the official rollout of a five-year biodiversity project.
The project, valued at more than US$48 million over the next five years, intends to address key challenges affecting the 87 000 hectare Lubombo landscape, including the promotion of tourism development, ecosystem degradation, invasive alien species, habitat fragmentation, climate pressures and high poverty levels among surrounding communities.
The project is being implemented by Eswatini’s Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) agency providing oversight, coordination and implementation support.
A direct grant fund of US$5.23 million has been received from the GEF. An additional US$43.5 million is from the government of Eswatini, UNDP, conservation institutions, private-sector partners and other stakeholders.
Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, Eswatini’s Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, said the development is a milestone in the country’s efforts to achieve sustainable development.
“This initiative represents a pivotal moment in Eswatini’s journey towards a sustainable future where biodiversity conservation and community development go hand in hand. It is not only about protecting wildlife but also about ensuring that conservation becomes a driver of prosperity.”
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