Environmental policy and administrative management

The landscape of the Ha Semione is characterized by vast grasslands and wetlands, uniquely shaped sandstone overhangs and rock features, natural rock, a high diversity of indigenous plants, streams of pristine water as well as the powerful Makhaleng waterfall. The wetlands of the Makhaleng especially at ha Semione are degraded. The degradation is due to overgrazing , burning and overharvesting of the grasses found on wetlands such as Leloli and Mosea, also by purposely planting of willow trees on wetlands and digging of trenches to drain wetlands for expansion of agricultural land for maize production. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that there is low understanding of the importance of the wetlands in the maintenance of the environment and natural resources. The proposed project will set out to restore and maintain the productive potential of the wetlands and fresh water springs of Makhaleng through sustainable rehabilitation and management approaches. This will be achieved through: Capacity building through a series of training workshops on various aspects of sustainable environmental management will be organized in collaboration with the Department of Environment Awareness creation about the importance and restoration and protection of wetlands in collaboration with the Department of Water Affairs. Establishment of small environmental entrepreneurs with guidance from the Department of Tourism and Culture.

Lesotho