Bio-diversity

Serumula Development Association proposes to facilitate the establishment of a botanical garden project at Tsenekeng village in Semonkong for in situ conservation of biodiversity. The proposed project directly addresses the biodiversity focal area focusing on capacity development for the rural communities in Lesotho. The project is intended to address the environmental problem of over-exploitation of plants of economic/medicinal value by the impoverished rural communitites, resulting in loss of biodiversity. The project will train communities on issues of in situ biodiversity conservatio, support infrastructural developments necessary for effectiverescue, propagationand establishment of seed banks and germplasm for endangered species and empower communities through creation of jobs and self employment opportunities inthe natural resources management sector. The project links quite strongly with opportunities presented by ecotourism, considering the fact thta the Semonkong area is well renowned for its spectacular waterfall, unique flora of the afro-montane alpines. The project will also promote tourism development eith activities targeting youth and families operating the village based tourism industry.

Lesotho