ReNOKA and Aranda Launch ‘One Blanket Shared Actions’ Initiative to Empower Communities and Protect Ecosystems

ReNOKA, in collaboration with renowned textile manufacturer Aranda, has launched a landmark initiative titled One Blanket Shared Actions. At the core of this project is the commercial production of ReNOKA-branded blankets, designed to represent unity, cultural identity, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship in Lesotho.

Makomoreng Fanana, coordinator of the National Integrated Catchment Management Coordination Unit (NICM), described the blankets as a powerful symbol of national cohesion and ecological care. “The blankets serve as a symbol of unity and environmental stewardship,” Fanana stated.

Proceeds from the sale of these blankets will support grassroots projects focused on restoring degraded land and water resources. These restoration efforts align with Lesotho’s Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) strategy and reflect the principles of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), a model that rewards communities for actively protecting and rehabilitating the environment.

The initiative provides a sustainable funding mechanism that ensures local communities are not only participants in environmental conservation but also direct beneficiaries of these efforts. Through this collaboration, ReNOKA and Aranda are promoting a practical and inclusive approach to ecological preservation.

The official launch event, set to take place on Thursday this week, will showcase the broader vision behind One Blanket Shared Actions. It will bring together representatives from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to explore innovative Nature-based Solutions (NbS) aimed at addressing Lesotho’s water and catchment management challenges.

During the event, attendees will learn about the cultural inspiration behind the blanket design and the role of local artisans in its production. The occasion will also highlight how communities will be engaged throughout the implementation process.

In addition, the event will present outcomes from a recent Hackathon facilitated by ReNOKA. These outcomes demonstrate how collaboration across sectors can translate Nature-based Solutions into actionable projects that directly benefit people and the environment.

The One Blanket Shared Actions initiative reflects a new way forward for Lesotho—one that blends heritage, innovation, and sustainability to build resilient ecosystems and empowered communities.