Eswatini unveils National Climate Research priorities
By Nomonde Mafu
Eswatini has announced the main focus areas for its new Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Research (C3SR), which aims to address the country’s biggest climate challenges.
The Centre, a product of collaboration between the University of Eswatini and the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, is being hailed as a critical step in bridging the gap between scientific research and policy action.
Coordinator of the Centre, Dr Wisdom Dlamini, said the thematic areas were drawn from national priorities, global commitments such as the Paris Agreement, and extensive stakeholder consultation.
“We are filling a long-standing gap in Eswatini’s climate governance by creating a central hub for locally relevant research,” he explained.
The six areas cut across environmental science, social justice, and economic resilience.
The first theme focuses on Understanding Climate Change and the Environment, with work underway to quantify greenhouse gas emissions and model future environmental scenarios.
“We need to know Eswatini’s exact contribution to the global carbon stock and anticipate the impacts of climate variability,” Dlamini noted.
The second theme looks at Human Impact on Ecosystems and Society, where researchers will examine land use changes and waste disposal. Dlamini warned that unchecked urbanisation and industrial waste could undermine biodiversity and public health.
“How we manage land and waste today will determine the health of our biodiversity and communities tomorrow,” he said.
The third theme tackles Climate Justice and Environmental Governance, highlighting the need for fair laws and policies that protect vulnerable populations.
“Justice is at the heart of climate action. We must ensure that the voices of the vulnerable are not sidelined,” Dlamini emphasised.
The fourth theme focuses on the Effects of Climate Change on Economic Sectors, with agriculture, energy, water, transport, urban infrastructure, and health all under review.
“Climate change is not an environmental issue alone; it is an economic development issue. From farming to healthcare, every sector is feeling the impact,” he said.
Under the fifth theme, Climate Resilience and Adaptation, the Centre will promote green infrastructure, explore resilient livelihoods, and research the social and psychological consequences of climate-induced displacement. Dlamini said resilience must be understood holistically.
“It is not just about infrastructure, it is also about resilient people and communities.”
The sixth theme, Sustainable Economics and Finance, aims to align national investment with environmental sustainability. “For Eswatini to thrive, our investments must align with sustainability principles. We cannot afford to grow at the expense of our environment,” Dlamini explained.
Beyond its research, the C3SR will provide postgraduate training and short courses while actively engaging policymakers, think tanks, and civil society.
“Our mission is to produce credible science that not only advances academic knowledge but also informs policy and community action,” Dlamini said.
A climate change research centre such as the C3SR plays a vital role in strengthening preparedness by collecting data, developing local expertise, and ensuring policy decisions are rooted in evidence.
The Centre is a direct output of the Building Capacity to Advance the National Adaptation Plan Process in Eswatini Project, which aims to enhance the country’s long-term resilience.
Dr Dlamini also called for stronger government and international backing to ensure the Centre’s sustainability.
He pointed out that international partnerships, including one with the University of York, are already in motion, but more funding is needed from mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund.
“For the Centre to thrive, we require high-level political and institutional buy-in. Climate research is not a luxury; it is a necessity for survival and development,” he said.
As Eswatini faces increasingly severe droughts, floods, and storms, the C3SR is being positioned as the nation’s nerve centre for climate science and policy innovation.
“The challenges before us are immense, but so are the opportunities,” Dlamini concluded.
“By working together, we can drive a climate-resilient future for Eswatini.”
