Eswatini has launched a new five-year biodiversity initiative aimed at strengthening conservation efforts while supporting local livelihoods and sustainable tourism development in the Lubombo region.
The project focuses on establishing a consolidated Big Five Nature Reserve across approximately 87,000 hectares of land within the Lubombo landscape. It is designed to enhance biodiversity protection while also creating economic opportunities for communities living in and around the conservation area.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a direct grant of US$5.23 million, the initiative has a total value of around US$48 million over five years. It also includes more than US$43 million in co-financing from the Government of Eswatini, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), conservation organisations, private sector partners, and other stakeholders.
Officials said the project will address key environmental and socio-economic challenges in the region, including habitat loss, ecosystem degradation, invasive species, climate pressures, and high levels of poverty among surrounding communities.
The Lubombo landscape, which forms part of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area and a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve, is considered globally significant for its biodiversity and ecological value. The new initiative aims to protect these natural assets while promoting a sustainable wildlife-based economy.
Government representatives described the project as a milestone in balancing environmental protection with development goals. The Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs said the initiative represents a shift toward integrating conservation with community prosperity, ensuring that environmental protection also supports economic growth.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is supporting implementation as the GEF agency, highlighted the complexity of the project. It noted that success will depend on balancing conservation priorities with land use, tourism expansion, grazing needs, and community expectations.
The initiative is expected to strengthen eco-tourism in Eswatini, positioning the country as a competitive destination for wildlife tourism while improving long-term economic resilience for local communities.
By combining conservation, tourism development, and community engagement, the project aims to create a sustainable model for biodiversity protection that also contributes to poverty reduction and inclusive growth in the region.
