ReNOKA joined World Wetlands Day 2024 celebrations at Korokoro and Ts’enekeng on the 1st and 2nd February respectively, as part of efforts to foster an understanding of the importance of wetlands.
Led by the Lesotho’s Department of Water Affairs (DWA) in Ha-Mofoka (Korokoro) and the Southern Mountains Association for Rural Transformation and Development (SMARTD) in Ts’enekeng (Semonkong), and with support of ReNOKA and other stakeholders, the celebrations encouraged positive environmental behaviroual stewardship, as part of this year’s theme of “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing”.
Wetlands are the most threatened of all ecosystems despite their significance to human life in supporting livelihoods and providing ecosystem services such as reducing the impacts of flooding, maintaining good water quality in rivers etc.
Drawing attention to the successful rehabilitation of wetlands, ‘Matsoere Sebutsoe, the Catchment Manager for Lower Senqu in the ‘Maletsunyane sub-catchment from the Integrated Catchment Management programme, known as ReNOKA, affirmed that protecting and restoring wetlands does not only mean preserving the natural beauty of the Earth, but also securing a healthier and more sustainable future for all living beings.
Addressing the residents of Ts’enekeng, she underscored the immense opportunities that wetlands offer, such as protecting and improving water quality and serving as vital homes for a diverse array of species. She further said “ReNOKA is committed to doing the best to conserve and protect wetlands, and we are calling on all of you to join us in this vital cause”.
The Principal Water Resources Engineer from the Department of Water Affairs, Christina Makoae emphasised that restoring wetlands is an ongoing initiative to protect Lesotho’s natural resources.
She led fruitful discussions on how over 30 households located at Ha-Mofoka, including neighbouring schools can benefit with water supply from the “Phokeng” wetland found in their area.
“When this wetland is protected, I can assure you that in the near future, there will be water flowing from it and this will give you an opportunity to continue with your domestic and agricultural practices”.
In Ts’enekeng, the transformation and rehabilitation of the wetland represents a bright spot to the people. Its restoration provides a sense of hope that reaches beyond the complexities of life. The wetland is now a thriving place for plants and wildlife that will attract plenty of visitors – but it wasn’t always like this.
‘Matlotliso Phooko of SMARTD – a community-based organisation that aims to enhance the quality of life of farmers and society as a whole, complimented the people of Ts’enekeng for working harmoniously with SMARTD to restore the wetland. She said this is part of wetlands preservation footprint programme that was launched in December 2023.
She further thanked ReNOKA for the support and joint efforts to raise awareness on the importance of wetlands and other natural resources.
Other activities from both celebrations at Korokoro and Ts’enekeng included environmental quiz competitions to the students and community members, through the support of ReNOKA. These competitions tested their knowledge in natural resources management.
