ACTIVISM CHRONICLES

A Narrative of Environmental Activism in Lesotho

By Limpho Thoahlane

INTRODUCTION: LESOTHO'S ENVIRONMENTALCANVAS

Nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of Southern Africa, Lesotho's natural beauty is truly awe-inspiring. However, beneath the surface lies a complex web of environmental challenges that demand our attention and action. located within the southern region of Africa, indeed faces a variety of environmental challenges that have significant implications for its agricultural productivity, natural resources, and overall sustainable development.

THE MOUNTAIN KINGDOM

From water scarcity and soil erosion to the impact of climate change on local communities, the environmental narrative of Lesotho is a compelling one.

INTRODUCTION: LESOTHO'S ENVIRONMENTAL CANVAS

Addressing these environmental challenges in Lesotho requires a comprehensive approach that integrates sustainable land management, climate adaptation strategies, and community-based initiatives. Implementing measures such as reforestation, terracing to prevent erosion, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and improving water management can contribute to mitigating these issues. Additionally, capacity building, community engagement, and policy support are essential for achieving longterm environmental sustainability and resilience in Lesotho.

Pictured:Sehlabathebe National Park

VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES

MOLIEHI MAFANTIRI

Environmental Scientist │ Co-founder at BARALI│ African Union Youth Reference Committee │ COP28 Youth Climate Delegate │ MA Candidate University of Pretoria

1.Could you please introduce yourself and share a brief overview of your role and responsibilities in the environmental sector in Lesotho?

My name is Moliehi Mafantiri I am an environmental scientist focusing on sustainable development, the just energy transition, and climate action. I’ve always had a keen interest in environmental science. That interest has led me to the University of Pretoria where I am studying towards an MA in Environment and Society and it inspired me to co-found a sustainable homeware brand, handmade by female artisans in Lesotho BARALI’s products are handwoven using locally sourced wool and mohair Through BARALI, my business partner and I are able to participate in Lesotho’s growing green economy, support female artisans and contribute to the cultural continuation of weaving as a Basotho tradition

2.What inspired you to pursue a career or involvement in environmental work? Was there a particular event or moment that sparked your interest?

There were several “Aha! moments” that drew me to the environmental sector. Lesotho has an abundance of natural resources and participates in key development initiatives that made the intersection between the environment, society and the economy a point of interest for me. Namely, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

3. The youth play a crucial role in driving change. Are there any youth-led initiatives or movements related to the environment that you are a part of or that you find inspiring?

I find the work of Basotho youth that are part of the LesothoYouth4Climate incredibly inspiring. Lesotho is negatively impacted by climate change and across the world youth have been seen actively participating in very important climate action, that particular initiative has so much potential As a youth advocate in the climate action space, I am a member of the Youth Reference Committee 2023 championing the implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063, the African Youth Charter and the UN Agenda 2030. Additionally, I am one 1/100 youth in the COP28 Presidency’s International Youth Climate Delegate Program where I am being trained as a climate negotiator to strengthen my participation in climate policymaking processes and will be supported to attend COY18 and COP28. I am a member of the YOUNGO, the official youth constituency at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) serving on the Loss and Damage Working Group’s Policy Committee Finally, I am part of the Global Shaper Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum. In particular, I am a member of the Global Shapers: Tshwane Hub which has done incredible work in the environmental sector

"STRONG REASONS MAKE STRONG ACTIONS"

Environmental Activist | Queen's Young Leader | OYW Ambassador | Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur | JWHI Grantee | YALI RLC | EE 30 under 30

1.Could you please introduce yourself and share a brief overview of your role and responsibilities in the environmental sector in Lesotho?

I am a social entrepreneur and environmental activist with about 8 years experience in both fields and I currently run initiatives centered around sustainable development. My roles in the space here in Lesotho are around advocacy, climate action projects, and creative sector & SBE support

2.In many fields, gender disparities still exist. Have you faced any unique challenges as a young woman working in the environmental sector? How have you overcome them?

As a young woman working in the sector I have not necessarily faced any biases based on my gender instead the annoying challenge I face is that of ageism especially here at home. I can’t really say I have overcome it, however, I’ve maneuvered around it by being assertive, maintaining professionalism and delivering high quality work in order to be taken seriously. My roles in the space here in Lesotho are around advocacy, climate action projects, SBE & creative sector support, and promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

3.What inspired you to pursue a career or involvement in environmental work? Was there a particular event or moment that sparked your interest?

Quite a number of things really, looking back I realize it was a culmination of a series of things; my background in the unsustainable business world, having lived close to the biggest landfill site in Maseru all my life, seeing the environmental gaps that exist in our country and wanting to do something about that and finally meeting my colleagues who were already in this sector, inspiring me to take action using my creative abilities (music) and I never looked back since

4.How do you envision the future of environmental conservation and sustainability in Lesotho? What changes or improvements would you like to see in the coming years? My vision for the future entails seeing Basotho back in sync with their environment, and having an existence where people & planet are in balance.

Changes I’d like to see include the formal inclusion of youth in decision making processes in this particular sector and a representation of women in science at high level leadership roles in this sector.

VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES

"Improving women's access to education and jobs is crucial to combating Gender Based Violence and child marriages. In Lesotho, providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy enhances living standards, enables child education, better health, and advanced agriculture. This empowerment through energy access fosters gender equality, diminishes violence, and uplifts women, contributing to a holistic transformation."

MATSEPISO MAJORO

CO-Founder/Managing Director-

MAHLASELI ENERGY-Business Development Service Provider-PED-ILOEntrepreneurship-Youth/Women

Empowerment-Student Energy Fellowship-Engeneering Institute of Zambia

Could you please introduce yourself and share a brief overview of your role and responsibilities in the environmental sector in Lesotho?

Matsepiso Majoro is the Founder and CEO of Mahlaseli Energy in Lesotho, a thriving renewable energy firm offering off-grid Solar and water solutions A qualified Technician Accountant (ACCA), she's trained by African Development Bank, IBF, and Trade Forward Canada

Matsepiso excelled in renewable energy studies with certifications from MicroGrid Academy, Soltrain, and Student Energy programs. Committed to women's empowerment, she initiated Women in Energy Lesotho, sending women for training at Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre. Her company reinvests in Africa Trust Group, aiding Women-Led Businesses' finance.

Matsepiso Majoro is an accomplished entrepreneur, promoter of clean energy, and advocate for women's advancement.

Mahlaseli Energy tackles environmental challenges in Lesotho with innovative solutions: 1 Providing clean water through submersible pumps and wells, registered with Rural Water Supply. 2. Empowering Lesotho with affordable solar off-grid systems for lighting, charging, schools, and businesses. 3. Installing solar geysers, reducing electricity costs and converting existing systems. 4. Supporting farmers with submersible pumps for year-round irrigation and climate-resilient agriculture. 5. Addressing construction sector constraints by offering power tool rentals including generators and jackhammers.

Mahlaseli Energy drives positive impact, spanning water, energy, agriculture, and construction sectors.

FEATURE

Together with the Government of Lesotho, the United Nations Lesotho signed the United Nations Sustainable Cooperation Framework (2024-2028). It has been coined as “Ka lebelo la Ntśoekhe”! A call for an accelerated pace in delivering sustainable development for all Basotho!

Three areas of focus emerged when developing the UN Cooperation Framework: 1.Good

2.Governance and Social Equity

5.Climate Action

3.Equitable Food Systems,

4.Environmental Sustainability&

6.People’s well being & Economic Development

Read the CF here https://bit.ly/44RMVOg

Community Corner: Your Voice Matters

We believe in the power of community engagement. Share your thoughts, stories, topics we should cover and questions with us. Reach out through our dedicated community platform and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about environmental advocacy in Lesotho.

Send an email here; Down4earth@gmail.com

EDITOR'S

NOTE

Thank you for embarking on this journey with us. Together, we can amplify the voices of those who champion the cause of environmental protection in Lesotho and beyond. Stay tuned for more stories, insights, and updates that inspire action and contribute to a greener future.

With gratitude,

Limpho Thoahlane