NGO'S commit to work together on environmental awareness

Non governmental organisations in the Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Commission have committed themselves to developing a joint action plan for 2004, to facilitate environmental awareness,  Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (LCN) Environmental Advisor, according to Mr. Justin Sargent.

Speaking with LENA in an interview, Mr. Sargent said the commitment was made at a recent meeting of the NGOs and that it was a first time joint commitment, aimed at securing a better environment for everyone in Lesotho.

NGO's have come to realize that they have an important role to play in environmental awareness, with this joint venture in pursuit of sustainable development in Lesotho, planned to raise awareness on issues ranging from land reform and climate change, at community level.

Under this initiative, members will develop their own joint agenda, which is anticipated to be complete by the end of March. The LCN will only come in to empower members with skills that will help them to  implement the plan, Mr. Sargent said.

The 15 NGOs include the Transformation Resource Centre, the Rural Self Help Development
Association, Lesotho Youth Federation, Thaba Bosiu Blue Cross Centre as well as Grow Lesotho. The Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resource Commission of the LCN aims at assisting members in the use and management of natural resources in a coordinated and sustainable manner.

20 January 2004