Bio-diversity

The primary objective of the project is conservation and preservation of endemic plant species of economic value and threatened plant species through propogation for sale and re-establishment of locally extinct endemic species in the wilderness as a contribution to the preservation of the natural heritage and poverty alleviation. Botha Bothe is situated in the northern foothills of Lesotho hosting unique biodivesity, water sources.However unsustainable utilization of these resources (overharvesting for sale) and veldfires threatens the existence of this natural heritage.The most sought after parts of the plants are the roots.An example of such plants is pelargonium spp. which despite it being legally protected is heavily harvested and illegally exported. This is exacerbated by increasing poverty and high unemployment rates in Lesotho particularly in the rural areas.The Qholaqhoe community where the project will be implemented have already established a botanical garden which is in its infancy. THe project will improve the garden, establish a nursery for plant propagation and build the capacity target community in biodiversity and natural resources management in general. The propagated plants will be put back into the wild and some will be reserved for sale. There will be a regular supply of indigenous trees seedlings for which there is a ready market.

Lesotho