Moroke Sekoboto 

THE head of European Union Delegation to Lesotho, Paola Amadei, says the EU-funded ReNOKA programme, remains steadfast in its commitment to combat soil erosion in the country. 

This, ReNoka does through a holistic approach including improved rangeland management, storm water diversion, terrace rehabilitation, and community engagement, as the battle against soil erosion persists. 

According to Ms Amadei, ReNoka was undoubtedly a framework around which the EU could help improve government action and the development partners’ support. 

This was done through reducing duplication of mandates, thus paving the way for common mechanisms, such as pooled funds. 

Ms Amadei was speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Lesotho Electricity Generation Company (LEGCO) and ReNoka, at Ha Ramarothole in Mafeteng on Thursday. 

Gracing the event were His Majesty King Letsie III, cabinet ministers and senior government officials.  

Ms Amadei said the partnership was pivotal in safeguarding the Ha Ramarothole Solar Power Plant against land degradation, ensuring the longevity and resilience of Lesotho’s renewable energy infrastructure. 

“It is with profound gratitude and deep respect that we convene once again, this time at Ha Ramarothole, to continue our collective journey towards Lesotho’s sustainable development,” Ms Amadai said. 

“Your Majesty, your unwavering support for the ReNoka initiative, coupled with your tireless efforts to raise awareness about the critical importance of water and soil conservation, are truly appreciated and valued,” Ms Amadai said. 

Ms Amadei said through collaborative efforts with local communities, they had successfully implemented soil rehabilitation measures, reclaiming 565 hectares of watersheds. 

“The fruits of this work are visible: wetlands are replenishing, grasslands are regenerating, and native flora and fauna, such as birds, are making a comeback,”Ms Amadai said. 

She said initiatives in Hlotse and Likhetlane, had seen the restoration of 140 hectares of vital watersheds, showcasing promising results in halting erosion and fostering ecosystem recovery. 

“This area is threatened by severe erosion, undermining the integrity of the solar farm and jeopardising the significant investment made by the government of Lesotho. The erosion, as we all witnessed this morning, not only compromises the boundary fence, but also the foundations of several solar panels,” Ms Amadai added. 

She emphasised that recognising the urgency of the situation, LEGCO had sought assistance from ReNoka. 

“Local communities are now implementing targeted measures to reduce the volume and speed of water runoff, and curb gully formations around the solar plant site,” Ms Amadai noted. 

Ms Amadei added that the partnership forged between ReNoka and LEGCO underscored the transformative potential of soil and water conservation, for the long-term sustainability of public investments in critical infrastructure, particularly renewable energy projects. 

“This undertaking embodies the key values of the Lesotho-Team Europe partnership, a partnership based on long-term sustainability and shared prosperity, as opposed to short-term gains built on fragile foundations,” Ms Amadei said. 

This approach, she said, was at the heart of Global Gateway, the European strategy to boost smart, clean energy, and secure links in digital, climate, energy and transport sectors; and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world. 

“Inspired by this strategy, we are collaborating through key initiatives such as the Renewable Lesotho, a programme to maximise Lesotho’s solar, hydro, and wind energy potential for energy security and a new initiative called Metsi a Lesotho, which will be launched next week,” she said. 

Ms Amadei said the Metsi a Lesotho project (Lesotho’s Water) would contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 6 on safe water, sanitation, and hygiene to all. 

Metsi a Lesotho is a transformative Team Europe initiative aimed at enhancing access to water, sanitation, and hygiene for over 125,000 people in Lesotho in 250 rural communities, 125 schools, and 15 clinics. 

The initiative also focuses on the sustainable management of Lesotho’s water and land resources for the benefit of present and future generations. 

The Lesotho government and its relevant ministries have collaborated with Team Europe, comprising the European Union Delegation to Lesotho, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on this initiative. 

UNICEF is also a crucial partner in the broader mission to extend access to water and sanitation services. 

“Our approach through these initiatives is not only based on quality investments that work for people and the planet in the long run, but also on the principle that our choices and strategies must be informed by high-quality data,” Ms Amadei said. 

“For this reason, today we are also unveiling an invaluable tool – the Lesotho Land Cover Atlas – which provides comprehensive insights into Lesotho’s land use patterns and vegetation cover. 

“The Atlas is the result of a collaborative effort between ReNoka and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The Atlas will provide extensive data for policy-makers, as well as for researchers and academic institutions.” 

Ms Amadei reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to safeguarding Lesotho’s natural resources for future generations.