Siphesihle Dlamini
THE Eswatini Environment Fund is currently grappling with funding challenges as the demand for community projects continues to grow, potentially affecting its operations.
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, provided insights into the ongoing struggles and successes of the Eswatini Environment Fund,
detailing both the historical background and the current funding landscape for environmental initiatives in the Kingdom.
Since its establishment in 2007 with an initial government investment of E4.5 million, the Fund has been essential in financing community projects aimed at protecting Eswatini’s rich natural heritage.
However, the increasing demand for grant funding has widened the gap between available resources and the needs of these community initiatives.
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Minister Mkhonta-Simelane emphasized the foundational aspects of the Fund’s financial structure, indicating that its main income sources have typically been environmental fines collected by the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) and interest earned from investments.
“These funding sources have been diminishing over the years,” she expressed. This decline in revenue has resulted in challenges for the Fund,
which struggles to satisfy the growing demand for financial support from communities eager to implement sustainable projects.
To add complexity to the Fund’s financial challenges, the minister noted that the implementation of the Control of Plastic Bag Regulations in 2021 introduced a levy on plastics, generating some revenue for the Fund.
Additionally, the Environmental Assessment Regulations of 2022, which include assessment fees, have also contributed to the Fund’s financial resources.
Despite these new sources of income, the total remains inadequate to address the various environmental issues facing the country today.
“Although these initiatives have offered some financial relief, they are still insufficient to tackle the significant environmental challenges we are encountering,” she stated.
Minister Mkhonta-Simelane announced that the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has allocated an additional E1 million to the Environment Fund specifically to support community projects.
“This reflects the Government’s recognition of the valuable work the Fund is doing and the need for increased financial support,” she noted, expressing hope that the government will allocate even more in the next budget period.
Since its inception, the Eswatini Environment Fund has been pivotal in financing community projects, approving a total of 71 project grants valued at over E8 million.
These projects have covered a range of fields, selected from five thematic funding areas: Sustainable Land Management, Climate Change, Chemicals and Waste Management, Ecosystem and Biodiversity Management, and Sustainable Water Management.
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Each area addresses key aspects of environmental sustainability, catering to the diverse needs of the nation’s communities.
In recent years, particularly since the 2019/2020 financial year, the Fund has actively engaged the public by issuing annual calls for project grant applications.
This proactive strategy aims to raise awareness of available funding opportunities and encourage communities to propose innovative solutions to local environmental challenges.
“We believe in the power of grassroots initiatives and aim to see communities flourish by implementing projects that directly address their specific environmental conditions,” explained the Minister.
The significance of community involvement in environmental management cannot be overstated, as it cultivates a sense of ownership and accountability among citizens.
As Minister Mkhonta-Simelane highlighted, “Environmental stewardship is not solely a governmental duty; it is a collective responsibility we all share.
By empowering our communities through funding, we are investing in the future of our environment.”
Nonetheless, the widening gap between the demand for funding and the available resources presents a significant challenge.
Many applicants have expressed frustration due to the limited financial support, and the Minister acknowledged that the Fund’s current financial limitations could impede its ability to meet the increasing number of deserving project proposals.
“We recognize the urgent needs, and we are doing everything possible to advocate for increased funding at the governmental level,” she affirmed.
Looking forward, the Minister remains optimistic that continued advocacy efforts will resonate with policymakers and result in a stronger financial foundation for the Environment Fund.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that our communities have the necessary resources to implement effective environmental solutions,” she emphasized.
