I present my respects to His Majesty Letsie III and Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate,

Members of the Media,

All protocols observed

Khotsong bo-'Mé le Bo-Ntate, esteemed guests, Your Majesty,

It is with profound gratitude and deep respect that we convene once again, this time at Ha Ramarothole, to continue our collective journey towards Lesotho's sustainable development.

Your Majesty, your unwavering support for the ReNoka initiative, coupled with your tireless efforts to raise awareness about the critical importance of water and soil conservation, are truly appreciated and valued.

Since your visit last year, ReNoka has achieved significant milestones.

Through collaborative efforts with local communities, we have successfully implemented soil rehabilitation measures, reclaiming 565 hectares of watersheds. The fruits of this work are visible: wetlands are replenishing, grasslands are regenerating, and native flora and fauna, such as birds, are making a comeback.

Moreover, our initiatives in Hlotse and Likhetla have seen the restoration of 140 hectares of vital watersheds, showcasing promising results in halting erosion and fostering ecosystem recovery.

Indeed, Your Majesty, seeing is believing.

Yet, the battle against soil erosion persists. ReNoka remains steadfast in its commitment to combat erosion through a holistic approach including improved rangeland management, storm water diversion, terrace rehabilitation, and community engagement.

There is no doubt that ReNoka is a framework around which we can help enshrine government action and development partners’ support, reducing the duplication of mandates, and paving the way for common mechanisms, such as pooled funds.

Today marks another significant milestone in this shared journey as we witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Lesotho Electricity Generation Company (LEGCO) and ReNoka.

This partnership is pivotal in safeguarding the Ha Ramarothole Solar Power Plant against land degradation, ensuring the longevity and resilience of Lesotho's renewable energy infrastructure.

The area is threatened by severe erosion, undermining the integrity of the solar farm and jeopardising the significant investment made by the Government of Lesotho. The erosion, as we all witnessed this morning, not only compromises the boundary fence, but also the foundations of several solar panels.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Lesotho Electricity Generation Company (LEGCO) sought assistance from ReNoka. Local communities are now implementing targeted measures to reduce the volume and speed of water runoff, and curb gully formations around the solar plant site.

The partnership forged between ReNoka and LEGCO underscores the transformative potential of soil and water conservation for the long-term sustainability of public investments in critical infrastructure, particularly renewable energy projects.

This undertaking embodies the key values of the Lesotho-Team Europe partnership, a partnership based on long-term sustainability and shared prosperity, as opposed to short-term gains built on fragile foundations.

Ours is a partnership that stands for quality investments.

This approach is at the heart of Global Gateway, the European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, climate, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world.

Inspired by this strategy, we are collaborating through key initiatives such Renewable Lesotho, a programme to maximise Lesotho's solar, hydro, and wind energy potential for energy security and a new initiative called Metsi a Lesotho, which will be launched next week. Metsi a Lesotho will contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 6 on safe water, sanitation and hygiene to all, through supporting access to safe water in 250 rural communities across the country, many of which currently use unimproved services, and sustainable land and water resource management.

Our approach through these initiatives is not only based on quality investments that work for people and the planet in the long run, but also on the principle that our choices and strategies must be informed by high-quality data.

For this reason, today we are also unveiling an invaluable tool – the Lesotho Land Cover Atlas – which provides comprehensive insights into Lesotho's land use patterns and vegetation cover. The Atlas is the result of a collaborative effort between ReNoka and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The Atlas will provide extensive data for policy-makers, as well as for researchers and academic institutions.

As we embark on this journey, fuelled by data-driven insights and collective determination, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding Lesotho's natural resources for future generations. Together, we can overcome the challenges that lie ahead and build a resilient, prosperous future for all.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who contribute to the success of ReNoka, including Your Majesty, for your unwavering support and guidance. May our collective efforts continue to bear fruit as we strive towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Thank you.

Khotso! Pula! Nala!