Lesotho Hosts Training on Establishing Monitoring System for Integrated Catchment Management

A short professional training course on the establishment of a Monitoring System for Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) is currently underway in Maseru, Lesotho. The program brings together professionals from key natural resources management sectors in Lesotho and riparian countries under the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM).

The training is being coordinated by WaterNet on behalf of ReNOKA, a national program focused on restoring and protecting Lesotho’s land and water resources. It aims to equip participants with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to develop and implement effective monitoring systems for catchment management.

ICM plays a vital role in promoting sustainable water use, reducing land degradation, and safeguarding ecosystems. A robust monitoring system enables authorities and stakeholders to track environmental changes, assess the impact of interventions, and make informed decisions for long-term resource management.

Participants include representatives from water management authorities, environmental agencies, agricultural sectors, and research institutions. The inclusion of experts from ORASECOM member states ensures that the training supports both national priorities and transboundary cooperation.

The course covers core topics such as data collection methods, use of monitoring tools and technologies, analysis of hydrological and environmental indicators, and integration of monitoring results into policy and planning. Practical sessions and group exercises are designed to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants.

By building local and regional capacity, the training supports Lesotho’s broader efforts under the ReNOKA program to restore degraded catchments and improve water security. It also aligns with ORASECOM’s mandate to promote sustainable management of shared water resources within the Orange-Senqu River Basin.

The training is expected to contribute to more effective environmental governance, better resource allocation, and improved resilience to climate change impacts in the region.