ENG - UN CC:Learn

“Lesotho has been experiencing rapid environmental degradation despite all efforts that have been made including those from
UNDP.There is a combination of causal factors: loss of diversity through overgrazing, overstocking and increased siltation of our wetlands
through soil erosion. It is time to take better care of our natural resources - way beyond playing lip-services to international
protocols. It is high time to translate words into action. In essence, it is timely now for Lesotho to access the GEF to implement the
PRSP.This is not an option, it is a necessity.”
Hodan Haji-Mohamud, Resident Representative
CHEMICALS BIODIVERSITY ENERGY FSSD*
PORTFOLIO
UNDP is supporting Lesotho’s efforts to develop strategies to integrate environmental considerations into national planning. For example,
the GEF-funded National Capacity Self-Assessment (NCSA) process is a comprehensive assessment, including an in-depth analysis
of the country’s existing capacities and capacity development needs, and is the first step to determining what immediate and long-term
actions are needed to meet the obligations of the Rio conventions, and Lesotho’s national development objectives. The now closed
Environmental Management project was a precursor to the NCSA and addressed links between energy and poverty reduction.
To support a reduction in GHG emissions and increase access to energy services in rural areas, UNDP is implementing a GEF-funded project
to promote renewable energy as a substitute for fossil fuels used in rural areas of the country. Project activities include removing
barriers to the wide-scale implementation of renewable energy technologies, assisting in the development of a renewable energy market
in remote rural areas and facilitating the use of renewable energy for productive uses.
UNDP is working to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in Lesotho. For example, the GEF-funded Mountain
Biodiversity project created a network of small protected sites, targeting specific biodiversity values, and provided policy-related support,
education and awareness activities, and field conservation demonstrations. During the course of this now closed project, Lesotho
developed the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, also funded by GEF, which built upon the experiences learned at the local
level and seeks to implement a national-level response plan to further protect Lesotho’s biodiversity.
UNDP supported Lesotho’s efforts to achieve its targets as set out in the Montreal Protocol for a period of 3 years, with funding from the
Protocol’s Multilateral Fund.The initiative developed and implemented a national programme for recovery and recycling of refrigerants
in the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors.
CONTACTS
Ms. Lineo Mdee – lineo.mdee@undp.org
Ms. Motselisi Ramakoae – Motselisi.ramakoae@undp.org
Tel.: 266-22313790
Fax: 266-22310042
http://www.undp.org.ls/Energy_Environment/index.htm
PARTNERS
Some of our Partners working with
UNDP and the Government in
Lesotho
Government of UK
Government of The Netherlands
Government of South Africa
GTZ
DED
1
Lesotho National Report on the Implementation of the UNCCD; UNDP Lesotho Questionnaire 200; *Frameworks and Strategies for Sustainable Development
73