Lesotho Hosts First ABS Week to Strengthen Fair Sharing of Biodiversity Benefits Under Global Environmental Frameworks

Stakeholders from across Lesotho have gathered this week for the first Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Week, marking a major milestone in the country’s implementation of biodiversity governance reforms. The event forms part of the broader ABS project supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lesotho and the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme. It brings together participants from government institutions, traditional knowledge holders, community representatives, researchers, and development partners. The initiative is designed to strengthen national coordination and improve understanding of how biological resources should be used and shared fairly. ABS Week also highlights Lesotho’s commitment to implementing international environmental agreements in a practical and inclusive way.

The gathering focuses on reviewing and validating key outputs from the ongoing Access and Benefit Sharing project, which is aligned with the Nagoya Protocol. Participants are engaging in structured discussions aimed at strengthening legal and institutional frameworks that govern biodiversity use in Lesotho. The sessions are also designed to ensure that communities who hold traditional knowledge are fully included in decision making processes. Researchers and policy makers are working together to close gaps between scientific research, legal systems, and local knowledge. The goal is to ensure that biodiversity resources are managed in a way that is fair, transparent, and beneficial to all stakeholders.

A key focus of ABS Week is strengthening institutional coordination across sectors involved in biodiversity governance. Government agencies are working alongside community leaders and technical experts to improve alignment on national priorities. The discussions also aim to deepen understanding of the legal, scientific, gender, and cultural dimensions of access and benefit sharing. Participants are examining how different groups interact with natural resources and how benefits derived from those resources can be distributed more equitably. This collaborative approach is intended to build stronger systems that support long term environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

The event also places strong emphasis on capacity building and knowledge exchange among stakeholders. Through dialogue and shared learning, participants are gaining a clearer understanding of how ABS frameworks operate in practice. Special attention is being given to the role of traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation and how it can be protected within national and international legal systems. The inclusion of diverse voices ensures that the implementation of ABS principles reflects the realities of communities across Lesotho. By engaging multiple sectors, the initiative aims to create a more informed and coordinated national response to biodiversity management challenges.

ABS Week represents an important step in building a stronger and more inclusive system for managing Lesotho’s natural resources. It reinforces the idea that benefits derived from biodiversity should be shared fairly among all contributors, including local communities and knowledge holders. The collaborative platform created through this initiative is expected to support better policy development and improved implementation of environmental agreements. As discussions continue, stakeholders are working toward a shared vision of sustainable resource use that balances economic, social, and environmental priorities. The outcomes of ABS Week are expected to guide future efforts in strengthening biodiversity governance and ensuring equitable benefit sharing across the country.