UNDP Lesotho

Stakeholders from government, civil society, development partners, and the informal waste sector came together for a dialogue on integrated waste management in Lesotho, creating a platform to share experiences, identify challenges, and explore opportunities for greater collaboration.

The discussions focused on developing practical recommendations to strengthen the recognition, protection, formalization, and integration of informal waste sector actors within Lesotho's waste management system.

Building a more inclusive and sustainable waste management framework means ensuring that those working on the frontlines of recycling and resource recovery are recognized as essential partners in environmental stewardship and green economic development.

Ministry of Environment and Forestry UN Environment Programme

Building Capacity to Advance Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) in Lesotho

What does it take to ensure that Lesotho's rich biodiversity benefits both people and nature?

This week, the Chief Technical Consultant for the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Project is leading a two-day training aimed at strengthening the knowledge and skills of key actors responsible for advancing the ABS agenda in Lesotho.

Bringing together the Project Management Unit, National Focal Point, District Coordinators, District Environment Officers, and Park Managers, the training is equipping participants with the tools needed to effectively implement the project and support the sustainable use of the country's genetic resources.

Participants are exploring:
✅ The principles of Access and Benefit Sharing and the Nagoya Protocol, and their importance for Lesotho's bioeconomy and biodiversity sovereignty.

✅ National ABS systems, institutional roles, and regulatory processes, including Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT).

✅ Practical applications of ABS in bioprospecting and value chain development, including discussions around the planned national genetic resources laboratory.

✅ Project management tools for effective implementation, monitoring, and reporting.

✅ Cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, monitoring and evaluation, and knowledge management.

The training will conclude with the development of an operational roadmap that identifies priority actions, quick wins, and clear institutional responsibilities for the next six months, laying a strong foundation for the successful implementation of the ABS Project.

By investing in capacity development today, Lesotho is taking important steps toward ensuring that the benefits derived from its biodiversity are shared fairly and equitably, while supporting conservation, innovation, and sustainable development.

Ministry of Environment and Forestry GEF Small Grants Programme

Investing in the future of democracy!

Over the past two weeks, we’ve been thrilled to support an intensive, two-week BRIDGE Mentoring and Curriculum Writing workshop for 13 dedicated officials from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

Why is this so important? As we look ahead and begin our preparations for the 2028 elections, building strong, sustainable capacity is key. By equipping these officials with advanced mentoring and curriculum development skills, we are ensuring the highest quality of continuous training and operational readiness within the IEC.

Huge congratulations to the participants for their hard work and dedication to excellence. Stronger institutions mean stronger elections!

European Union in Lesotho

WE'RE BACK!

Do you have questions about the STEAM and Sebabatso 2026 applications? Join us this Friday for a LIVE Q&A Session and get the information you need to take the next step in your innovation or entrepreneurship journey.

📍 Join us in person at the Sebopi Unipod UniPod, Lerotholi Polytechnic Campus
📱 Or tune in live on our page and submit your questions in real time.

🎙️ Special Guest: Thakane Mahase, SEBABATSO 2024 Winner

Hear firsthand about her innovation journey, the opportunities unlocked through STEAM, and the lessons she learned along the way. Her story may be the inspiration you need to turn your idea into reality.

During the session, we will discuss:
✔️ Application requirements
✔️ Eligibility criteria
✔️ Available opportunities through STEAM and Sebabatso
✔️ Tips for submitting a strong application

Applications for STEAM and Sebabatso 2026 are now open.

Apply today and transform your ideas into solutions that create impact. https://go.undp.org/THv

Sebabatso Sebopi Unipod