A big moment for innovation, tradition, and environmental stewardship unfolded on Thursday, 5 June 2025, as ReNOKA officially launched and unveiled the ReNOKA Blanket, developed in collaboration with Aranda Textiles.
The event took place alongside the Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Hackathon, held from 2nd – 5th June, forming a dynamic showcase of how co-created solutions can translate into real-world impact.
The Integrated Catchment Management Coordination Unit, Coordinator Mr. Makomoreng Fanana explained the ReNOKA Blanket as more than a symbol but a living example of how market-driven initiatives can support environmental restoration and community empowerment. “Rooted in Basotho heritage, the blanket’s symbolic patterns reflect the deep interconnection between land, water, and people, and celebrates the resilience of the communities protecting these ecosystems,” he said.
“This blanket tells our story. It honours our people and our land—and helps us invest back into both,” said Hon. Mohlomi Moleko, Minister of Natural Resources, during the launch.
A Hackathon with Purpose
The Hackathon, hosted by ReNOKA brought together diverse voices—youth, ministries, academia, experts, and extension workers—to co-create solutions for protecting land and water through Nature-based Solutions and Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES).
Field visits gave participants a firsthand look at local environmental challenges, from degraded rangelands to polluted springs. Working groups then brainstormed actionable ways to incentivize ecosystem stewardship—resulting in consensus around launching a PES pilot in Lesotho’s rangelands, known for their critical water-related ecosystem services.
“Protecting land and water is everyone’s job—not just the government’s. The Hackathon proved the power of collaboration across sectors,” said a participant, Senate Mputsoe.
The Blanket as a PES Mechanism in Action
What makes the ReNOKA Blanket especially noteworthy is how directly it ties into the Hackathon’s goals. . This is a practical application of the PES approach: recognising and financially supporting communities for the vital ecological services they provide.
“The ReNOKA–Aranda partnership bridges innovation and tradition in a way that drives real impact,” said Mr. Maseatile Motoho, Director from Water Affairs, who attended both the Hackathon and the launch of the blanket. “It shows how NbS and PES can go beyond policy—they can be woven into products, markets, and lives.”
Cross-Sector Collaboration at Its Best
The launch of the blanket and the outcomes of the Hackathon reflect the power of inclusive, cross-sectoral partnerships. They demonstrate how development actors, the private sector, local communities, and creative industries can come together to protect natural resources—while creating jobs, honouring culture, and building climate resilience.
Why Own a ReNOKA Blanket? Because it’s more than just a blanket—it’s a movement.
By purchasing a ReNOKA Blanket, you directly support:
- Restoration of Lesotho’s degraded catchments
- Sustainable community livelihoods
- Long-term water security across borders
Ready to own yours?
Orders are now OPEN — don’t miss out!
Click the link to order: 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3re8wdy7
