WHY SAVING NATURE SAVES US

On October 31, 2024, I had the privilege of attending a workshop hosted by the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC). The purpose of this workshop was to explore how Eswatini’s national policies can align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) – an international plan to protect the world’s plants, animals and ecosystems. The gathering brought together government officials, civil society and youth like me, all eager to ensure Eswatini does its part in safeguarding nature.

As a young person from Eswatini, I left the workshop feeling both inspired and aware of the enormous task ahead. But before we dive into what needs to change, let’s take a moment to celebrate what we already have: Eswatini’s rich and beautiful biodiversity. Eswatini is small, but our natural beauty rivals the best in the world. From the rolling hills of Malolotja to the fertile plains of the Lubombo region, our land is home to unique plant and animal species such as the Swazi Flat Gecko. Our forests, rivers, wetlands and mountains are treasures that support life, not just for wildlife, but for us too. They provide clean air, water and food, as well as places for tourism, cultural practices and spiritual connection. But this biodiversity is under threat. Deforestation, pollution, unplanned urban growth and climate change are pushing our ecosystems to the brink of collapse. If we don’t act now, future generations might never know the beauty we take for granted today.

Why do our policies need to change?
One of the key messages from the workshop was that our biodiversity policies are outdated. For example, some of our conservation laws still reflect colonial-era thinking that focused mainly on protecting animals in isolation, rather than whole ecosystems. Today, global challenges like climate change require more modern and inclusive solutions, and that’s where the GBF comes in.

The Global Biodiversity Framework is an international agreement that encourages countries to protect at least 30 per cent of their land and water by 2030, among other goals. Right now, only 4.23% of Eswatini’s land is under official protection – far below what’s needed to keep our ecosystems healthy. Aligning our policies with the GBF means updating laws, improving coordination between government sectors and ensuring biodiversity is at the heart of decisions made in agriculture, urban planning and tourism.

Ensure

To fix the gaps, the workshop developed a Prioritised Action Plan, which focused a number of areas such as, Better Coordination. A new National Biodiversity Governance Council would bring together government ministries, communities and experts to ensure everyone works together to protect biodiversity. This will help reduce confusion and overlapping responsibilities.
 Also, a new Biodiversity Act will replace old laws with updated rules that reflect modern challenges, such as protecting pollinators, restoring degraded land and involving communities in conservation efforts. Pending bills like the Access and Benefit Sharing Bill and the Forestry Bill will also be prioritised to ensure fair use of resources. Furthermore, women, youth and marginalised communities should be included in decision-making. This means local voices will have a say in how we manage our natural resources, ensuring that solutions are fair and practical.

How does this benefit you?
You might be asking, “What does all this policy talk mean for me?” Here’s how biodiversity-friendly policies will make a difference in your daily life.
 Firstly, this would mean more jobs and opportunities. Protecting biodiversity can boost eco-tourism and create jobs for local guides, craft sellers and small business owners. Agroforestry and other sustainable practices will also help farmers improve their yields while protecting the environment.

Healthy ecosystems ensure clean rivers, productive soils and natural pollinators, which are crucial for agriculture. If we don’t protect our biodiversity, food production could decline, and clean water might become more scarce. Forests and wetlands act as natural shields against extreme weather events like floods and droughts. Protecting these ecosystems makes our communities stronger in the face of climate change. Urban biodiversity plans will encourage green spaces and cleaner cities, improving air quality and providing beautiful, safe places for families to relax and mental health to improve.

Biodiversity conservation is not just for policymakers or scientists, it’s for all of us. Here’s how you can play your part:
Educate Yourself and Others. We all need to learn about Eswatini’s plants, animals and ecosystems. Share this knowledge with friends, family, and community members. We also need to support Local Conservation Efforts. Get involved with local groups, clean-up campaigns or tree-planting initiatives. We also need to speak up for stronger biodiversity laws and policies. We also need to plant indigenous trees, avoid littering and reduce waste at home. Small actions add up when we all do them together. The action plan developed at this workshop is about more than policies – it’s about securing a future where people and nature thrive together. Eswatini’s commitment to aligning with the Global Biodiversity Framework is a step in the right direction, but it will take all of us working together to see real change.

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