ReNOKA Initiative Hands Over Restored Site in Mokhotlong to Empower Community-Led Conservation

On Tuesday, the Department of Natural Resources, through the ReNOKA initiative and in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, officially handed over a rehabilitated environmental site to the village of Pae-la-Itlhatsoa in the Khubelu catchment area of Mokhotlong.

This handover marks a significant step in Lesotho’s commitment to reversing land degradation and promoting sustainable land management. Pae-la-Itlhatsoa was identified as one of the most vulnerable areas in the catchment, suffering from severe soil erosion and declining productivity.

In recent months, local residents have worked alongside environmental experts to rehabilitate the land. The community cleared 8.5 hectares of invasive shrubs to improve grazing conditions, constructed contour lines, and built small stone walls designed to slow down water runoff and help retain soil. These efforts are already bearing fruit, as the site has started to show visible signs of recovery.

Thanks to the project, natural biodiversity is returning. Indigenous plants like hloenya have started to reappear, and wild animals such as matsa (foxes) have been spotted in the area—clear indicators of ecological revival.

The initiative is not only about restoration but also about empowering communities. Nine villages in the Khubelu catchment have pledged their support to ReNOKA’s goals and are actively participating in long-term conservation efforts. Residents have committed to protecting and maintaining the newly rehabilitated area under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, with the aim of continuing restoration work that will ultimately enhance both environmental and economic conditions in the region.

The success in Pae-la-Itlhatsoa stands as a model for community-driven environmental stewardship across Lesotho. By combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation techniques, projects like these show the powerful impact of grassroots action in addressing climate resilience and restoring natural ecosystems.