LocationsFive-Year Biodiversity Project to Boost Conservation and Livelihoods
May 25, 2026
Stakeholders at the official rollout of a five-year biodiversity project aimed at establishing a consolidated Big Five Nature Reserve along the Lubombo landscape.
Stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society organisations and local communities convened in Mbabane today for the official rollout of a five-year biodiversity project aimed at establishing a consolidated Big Five Nature Reserve along the Lubombo landscape.
Covering approximately 87,000 hectares, the initiative seeks to strengthen biodiversity conservation while promoting tourism development and improving livelihoods for communities living within the Lubombo region.
The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through a direct grant of USD 5.23 million and is valued at a total of USD 48 million (approximately E805 million) over the next five years. It has leveraged more than USD 43.5 million (about E780 million) in co-financing from the Government of Eswatini, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), conservation institutions, private sector partners and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the inception workshop held at the Hilton Hotel, the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Hon. Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, described the initiative as a milestone in the country’s efforts to achieve sustainable development.
“This initiative represents a pivotal moment in Eswatini’s journey towards a sustainable future, where biodiversity conservation and community development go hand in hand,” she said. “It is not only about protecting wildlife but also about ensuring that conservation becomes a driver of prosperity.”
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Hon. Jane Mkhonta-Simelane.
The project aims to address key challenges affecting the Lubombo landscape, including ecosystem degradation, invasive alien species, habitat fragmentation, climate pressures and high poverty levels among surrounding communities.
The area is globally recognised for its ecological significance, forming part of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area and the UNESCO-recognised Lubombo Biosphere Reserve.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Ms Nessie Golakai-Gould, emphasised the complexity of the initiative, noting the need for a balanced approach.
“This is an ambitious and complex project that requires balancing conservation priorities with livelihoods, tourism development, grazing pressures, land access realities and community expectations,” she said.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Ms. Nessie Golakai-Gould.
The project is implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, with UNDP serving as the GEF agency, providing oversight, coordination, and implementation support.
Also addressing stakeholders, the GEF Operational Focal Point in Eswatini, Ms Constance Dlamini, highlighted the country’s rich natural assets.
“Our protected areas and landscapes harbour species and ecosystems of global significance. The Big Five Project offers an extraordinary opportunity to leverage this natural capital for sustainable tourism, community livelihoods and environmental integrity,” she said.
The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of a sustainable wildlife-based economy, positioning Eswatini as a competitive eco-tourism destination while improving resilience and economic opportunities for local communities.
Stakeholders at the inception meeting.