… During 2023 Temvelo Awards.
BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
MBABANE – Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Moses Vilakati has said that emaSwati should invest in building capacity to the younger generation on the importance of environmental action.
The Minister was speaking during the 2023 Temvelo Awards which were held last night.
“Such passing on of critical information, will not only enhance the country’s contribution to global efforts but will also ensure that the country will be in safe hands in future generations,” said the Minister.
“As a country, it is important to further accelerate our nature conservation, waste management, chemical management and sustainable land management initiatives. Initiatives like the Phatsa Sakho Nawe, the Big Five Nature Reserve and Solar Energy need to be supported by all emaSwati to ensure that we accrue maximum results from such initiatives,” added the Minister.
“As a country, we are part of a global community which is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to levels that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system within a time frame that will allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to such changes,” said the Minister.
“Although the shift towards green technologies is not in the same pace, one appreciates the movement and further urges all emaSwati to initiate green strategies to avoid further delays on the impact the country could have on the bigger global goal,” further noted the Minister.
His sentiments were echoed by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative David Omozuafoh.
“Protecting the environment should no longer be just a corporate social initiative but a development issue too and part of all our core mandates, regardless of what sector we are in. This is a challenge and a reminder to all of us to double our efforts in protecting the only country we have, our planet and our people,” said Omozuafoh.
According to a statement by Government, winners on the night included Ngololweni Community (Best Community Wetland), Sikhunyana Fruit and Vegetable Enterprise (Environmental Entrepreneur – Organisation), St. Mary’s High School (Green High School), Manzini Practising Infant Primary School (Green Primary School), Municipal Council of Mbabane (Waste Management and Carbon and Energy Management Awards), Stefanutti Stocks (Biodiversity Offset-Construction), Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (Water Conservation & Biodiversity Offset–Agri-business), Ubombo Sugar Limited (Green Business), Matsapha Town Board (Green Municipality), ESWADE (Green Parastatal), KOBWA (Blue Conservation), Sifiso Nhlabatsi (Environmental Journalist) and Lynn Kota (Lifetime Achievement).
