By Sikhulile Dlamini
MBABANE – The Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs has emphasised that government initiative of getting rid of plastic bags is one way to protect the country’s land and preserving its integrity for future generation.
The Minister, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane said this during the World Environment Day, whose commemoration was held today (Wednesday, June 5, 2024) at Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre under the theme ‘Land Restoration Desertification and Drought Resilience’.
The Government, through Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, announced the ban of plastic in the country from December 1, 2024. The Minister of Tourism and Environment celebrated the day alongside the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA).
Present during the commemoration Manzini Regional Administrator (RA) Chief Gija, British Commissioner Simon Boyden, United Nation (UN) Eswatini resident coordinator representative other stakeholders.
“Eswatini is confronted with the harsh reality of land degradation, exacerbated by factors such as a need for rural access and road infrastructure. The degradation of our land not only threatens our environment but also jeopardizes our food security, water resources, and overall well being. It is imperative that we take decisive action to reverse this trend and embark on a journey of restoration and rejuvenation,” she said.
She also stated that one of the key strategies of land restoration is to address the underlying causes of land degradation. This includes investing in sustainable farming methods and infrastructure development, particularly improving road networks to minimise soil erosion and promote sustainable land use practices.
“By building resilient infrastructure, we can mitigate the adverse impacts of soil erosion and create a more conducive environment for land restoration efforts. This includes reforestation initiatives, soil conservation measures and the promotion of agro forestry systems. By harnessing the power of nature-based solutions, we can enhance the resilience of our ecosystems and ensure the long-term sustainability of our land,” she added.
Mkhonta-Simelane said the plastic pollution do not only pose a significant threat to human health but also exacerbates land degradation through soil contamination and habitat destruction.
“By eliminating plastic carrier bags, we are taking a proactive step towards protecting our land and preserving its integrity for future generations, “she said.
Mkhonta-Simelane concluded by urging the people to reaffirm our collective responsibility to safeguard our land and nurture it for the benefit of all.
“Let us embrace the spirit of #GenerationRestorations and work together to build a more sustainable and resilient future for Eswatini. Our land is not just a resource, but a legacy that we must cherish and protect for generation to come,” she concluded.
