Lesotho National Action Programme in Natural Resource Management, Combating Desertification and Mitigating the Effects of Drought

UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation i LESOTHO NATIONAL ACTION PROGRAMME IN NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, COMBATING DESERTIFICATION AND MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF DROUGHT UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION IN THOSE COUNTRIES EXPERIENCING SERIOUS DROUGHT AND/OR DESERTIFICATION, PARTICULARLY IN AFRICA MINISTRY OF FORESTRY, RANGE AND SOIL CONSERVATION THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO ii PUBLISHED BY: LESOTHO GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF FORESTRY, RANGE AND SOIL CONSERVATION P. O. BOX 92, MASERU 100 THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO Tel: (+266)22323600 www.forestry.gov.ls  Lesotho Government, Ministry of Forestry, Range and Soil Conservation 2015 http://www.forestry.gov.ls/ UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation iii TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................... iii LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................... iv FOREWORD ..................................................................................................................... vi EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................... vii CHAPTER 1: ELABORATING A NATIONAL ACTION PROGRAMME IN LESOTHO ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 An Overview of Desertification in Lesotho .................................................................. 1 1.2 The Lesotho National Action Plan to Implement Agenda 21 ........................................ 3 1.3 The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) ......................... 4 1.4 The Role of the Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation in the NAP Process ......... 5 1.5 Consultations for the Elaboration of the NAP .............................................................. 6 CHAPTER 2:PROGRAMME OBJECTIVE, APPROACH AND RATIONALE ............ 8 2.1 Programme Objective .................................................................................................. 8 2.2 Programme Approach .................................................................................................. 8 2.3 Programme Rationale .................................................................................................. 8 CHAPTER 3:STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES OF THE 10 YEAR UNCCD STRATEGY ................................................................................ 9 CHAPTER 4: OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES OF THE NAP ..................................... 15 OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 1: Advocacy, Awareness raising and Education .......... 15 OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 2: Policy Framework .................................................. 16 OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 3: Science, Technology and Knowledge ..................... 17 OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE4: Capacity-Building ................................................... 19 OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 5: Financing and Technology Transfer ....................... 20 APPENDIX 1. MONITORING AND EVALUATION FOR ALIGNED NAP ................. 22 APPENDIX 2. INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ALIGNED NAP .............................................................................................................. 47 APPENDIX 3: BIOPHYSICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE INFORMATION. ............................................................................................................ 50 APPENDIX 4: List of Stakeholders ................................................................................. 56 iv LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ASIP Agriculture Sector Investment Programme CBOs Community Based Organisations CCD Convention to Combat Desertification CRIC Committee for Implementation of the Convention CSOs Civil Society Organisations DCFL Department of Conservation, Forestry and Land Use Planning DLDD Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought DoE Department of Environment DDSC District Desertification Steering Committee DOE Department of Environment EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMPR Environmental Management and Poverty Reduction GEF Global Environment Fund GIS Geographic Information Systems GNP Gross National Product GOL Government of Lesotho IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development LAC Lesotho Agricultural College LUCT Limkokwing University of Creative Technology MAFS Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security MCST Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology MDP Ministry of Development Planning MEAs Multilateral Environmental Agreements MEMWA Ministry of Energy, Meteorology and Water Affairs MFLR Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation MLoGC Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship MOET Ministry of Education and Training MoF Ministry of Finance MTEC Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture NAP National Action Programme NDSC National Desertification Steering Committee NES National Environment Secretariat NEYC National Environment Youth Corps NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation v N.P.K. Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium NCSA National Capacity Self-Assessment NUL National University of Lesotho PTC Production Through Conservation RMA Range Management Area RMD Range Management Division SLM Sustainable Land Management STIs Science and Technology Institutions SWC Soil and Water Conservation UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification VSECC Vegetative Soil Erosion Control Concept vi FOREWORD Lesotho’s terrain is spectacularly rough with very high and steep mountains. When it rains (often erratically) water flows down these slopes at a very high speed, carrying with it some loose rabble, shallow rooted forbs and shrubs, often leaving behind very shallow and unstable soils. High speed of water results in a massive loss of soil through rill and sheet erosion. Population pressure forces settlement in marginal areas together with poor farming practices such as over cultivation and overgrazing by domestic animals. Therefore, the land in most instances is left without adequate ground cover. The resultant long term after-effects are a massive environmental degradation and a declining resource base. If it continues, environmental degradation will lead to increasing problems like shortage of food, energy and water. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to which Lesotho is party was ratified in 1995. The objectives of the UNCCD are to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. According to Article 9 of the UNCCD, all the concerned parties are to prepare, align and implement National Actions Programmes (NAPs) utilizing and building on existing relevant successful plans and programmes. The NAPs are considered to be the central elements of the 10 year strategy to combat desertification. In accelerating the implementation of the NAP, Lesotho like all the affected country parties had to align its NAP to the 10 year strategy of the UNCCD. Lesotho has prepared and implemented several strategies such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Lesotho Vision 2020 and the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) that include elements of the UNCCD and therefore were incorporated into the aligned NAP. The previous NAP document (1999) took into account the results of the Forum as well as the recommendations of the 1998 meeting of the National Desertification Steering Committee (NDSC). The update of the NAP was done in 2005 in response to concerns raised by Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC) at its meeting that national reports did not capture national priorities. In preparation for the aligned document to the strategy, several stakeholder workshops were held at district and national level to assess the progress on the implementation of UNCCD in light of the 10 year strategy. The lessons learned from these workshops have formed the basis for the elaboration of the current NAP. I would like to thank all those who contributed positively in the development of this process. Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) should be a phenomenon of the past in this country as we approach the post-2015 development agenda. The quality of the environment has to be the concern of the whole society, since prosperity of the country depends on it. HONOURABLE KABELO MAFURA (MR) MINISTER OF FORESTRY, RANGE AND SOIL CONSERVATION UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation vii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Lesotho ratified the United Nation Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 1995. Article 9 of the UNCCD, calls for concerned parties to prepare, make public and implement national action programmes, utilizing and building, on existing relevant successful plans and programmes (NAPs), and sub-regional and regional action programmes, as the central element of the strategy to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. Endeavours to accelerate the implementation of NAPs, resulted in the adoption decision 3/COP.8, which calls for concerned parties to aligned their NAPs and all relevant national actions of Lesotho in accordance with the 10 Year Strategy of the UNCCD. Alignment refers to the need for APs and other relevant implementation activities to comply with the outcomes areas under the five operational objectives of The Strategy. This means that all APs need to be checked against the five operational objectives and then each activity linked with the operational objective it addresses. This should result in the overview table’s listing all existing activities relating to the five operational objectives as well as highlighting the overlaps and gaps (proposed tool and annex IV of ICCD/COP(9)/2/Add.1). If the requirements are not reflected in the NAP, the Party should formulate relevant corrective measures. According to the provisions of Draft Guidelines (ICCD/COP(9)/2/Add.1), paragraph 8, Lesotho National Action Programme need to be improved to better comply with all five operational objectives of The Strategy. It requires the revision to ensure that the programme is transformed into a strategic document, and incorporated into development planning and relevant sectoral investment plans and policies (Outcome 2.2 and 2.3 of The Strategy). The newly reviewed NAP aims to ensure that the current documents meet all requirements of an aligned NAP. The review process included checking whether NAP:  Has been mainstreamed in all relevant sectoral/development policies  Has socio-economic baselines and relevant indicators  Has a monitoring and evaluation mechanism  Has the proper legal and policy framework  Has a feasible integrated financial strategy (IFS)  Is aligned in accordance with the guidelines and national priorities of the country UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation 1 CHAPTER 1: ELABORATING A NATIONAL ACTION PROGRAMME IN LESOTHO 1.1 An Overview of Desertification in Lesotho Lesotho has fragile ecosystems because of its topography, type and pattern of rainfall, erodibility of soils, land use patterns and habitats such as bogs and sponges. The topography is mountainous with sharp terrains ranging in elevation from 1,460 metres above sea level (a.s.l.) in the west to 3,400 metres (a.s.l.) in the northeast. The rainfall pattern is very erratic and unpredictable. The rainy season starts in early spring, mostly with heavy short-duration downpours and hailstorms all of which cause a lot of soil movement; it lasts till late autumn. Winters are mostly dry with no active vegetative growth, and therefore favour conditions for erosive early spring rains. Soils are derived from the underlying sandstone and basalt parent materials in the lowlands and mountains, respectively. The sandstone-derived soils are highly erodible. Land use patterns are communal in the rangelands and semi-private in cultivated lands. Lesotho has world-renowned special high altitude wetland habitats with rare plant and animal species. These wetlands are a main source of the Southern Africa region’s waters and Lesotho’s forage resources for livestock. In Lesotho, desertification is understood as a bio-physical land degradation phenomenon which manifests itself as loss of biological productivity resulting from over-exploitation and mismanagement of the natural resource base, be it water, soil, land, plants or animals and land degradation resulting from excessive soil loss, depletion of grazing resources, loss of soil fertility, loss of water holding capacity of soils, loss of storage capacity of ponds, reservoirs, rivers, pools and inundation of bottom lands with sediments (Chakela and Seitlheko, 1995 1 ). Land degradation in the form of soil erosion is pervasive in Lesotho. Rainwater induced gully, rill and sheet erosion are the primary agents of soil loss. Soil loss is seen as sheet and gully erosion in many cultivated fields and as gullies that traverse the rangelands and cultivated fields all the country. The primary cause of soil erosion is mismanagement of the land leaving it unprotected and critically vulnerable to agents of destruction. Over-cultivation and overgrazing by domestic animals are common in Lesotho. Consequently, the land is in most instances left without the necessary adequate ground cover. In 1977, about 15,000 ha of land area was classified as gullies and most of the gullies (about 90%) being active (Flannery, 1977). Although gullies take land out of use permanently and are easily observed, sheet and rill erosion have the greatest impact on productivity of the land and contribute immensely to the desertification process. Many fields and pastures have been taken out of production due to excessive sheet and rill erosion taking with it the topsoil, which is necessary for the production of crops, 1 Chakela, Q. K. and M. E. Seitlheko. 1995. Desertification in Lesotho. A review of policies, strategies and programmes to address land degradation. Paper prepared for the Lesotho National Environment Secretariat. 2 fodder and grass. Over the last 20 years, Lesotho has lost over 100 thousand hectares of arable land; a 25% decrease in usable land for production of food and fodder. Loss of biological diversity, deterioration of rangelands and poor crop and animal productivity are other signs of land degradation and advancement of desertification in Lesotho. Productivity of major crops and animals has significantly declined in recent years due to poor land and rangeland conditions. In the early seventies, production of both animals and plants was relatively higher than it is now. In the 1970s, a Lesotho sheep produced, on average, 5 kg of wool; maize yields were 2 tons/ha whilst wheat yields were 1.2 tons/ha. However, in recent years, these yields have declined significantly to levels where they are now 2.74 kg of wool per sheep in 2010/11 and 0.82 tons/ha,1.27 tons/ha of maize and wheat yields, respectively in 2012/13 2 . A decline of 46.3 and 24.0% were recorded between 2009/10 and 2010/11 for wool and mohair respectively. Such a general decline in productivity of the land has worsened the living standards of Basotho. The World Bank estimated that 27.5% of the population and 21.4% of households (117,309 out of 548,032) are at risk of multi-dimensional poverty 3 . Furthermore, rangelands have seriously deteriorated. Rangeland carrying capacity have declined to levels where rearing animals in large enough numbers in Lesotho is becoming very difficult. The decline in the quality of rangelands has also affected the special and fragile ecosystems in the alpine reaches of the country. Many bogs and sponges, which Lesotho is world renowned for, are threatened by over-utilization and trampling by livestock. The highlands watersheds regulate 43% of the sub-region’s annual rainfall. The wetlands within these watersheds contain unique plant communities not found anywhere else in the world. Many other habitats supporting a variety of endemic species are being destroyed. 62% of wetlands in, for example, Mokhotlong district (eastern mountains) was found as being in poor condition in a 1988 study under the joint Lesotho/ South Africa Drakensberg/Maloti Mountain Catchment Conservation Programme. Overall, the country is becoming a dilapidated landscape with gullies and bare rock. Compounding the problem is even further is the recurrent drought that often threatens the very existence of the Basotho people. Although population density sometimes is cited as the underlying factor for resource degradation, leading to over-cultivation and overgrazing, such a statement needs scrutiny. In Lesotho, almost all farming systems are of an extensive type. This holds for the cropping component dominated by maize cultivation on semi-privatized fields, and for the livestock component of extensive grazing in open access areas. In rural villages, houses with a home garden and/or fruit trees are a clear minority. Home compounds, not farming fields, used to have fences that protect them against grazing animals. Trees are seldom seen in conjunction with agricultural fields. In the Lesotho context, over-cultivation and overgrazing should hence be understood as resource mining, which has reached and even surpassed its ecological limits. 2 Bureau of Statistics, 2012-2013 Report 3 World Bank, Poverty Assessment, 2010 page 24 UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation 3 In spite of enormous efforts for several decades of the Government of Lesotho, with international support, there has not yet been a significant change for the better in the land use by the rural populations. However, currently there are instruments in place that should enable implementation of natural resources conservation and protection of the environment more effectively: (i) The Environment Act 2001 was passed by Parliament, and was being amended tenable the National Environment Secretariat to administer it, instead of the originally intended Lesotho Environment Authority, since there are financial constraints to create such an independent and autonomous body; (ii) The national Vision 2020 has been prepared through a thorough consultative process involving grassroots communities; (iii) Poverty Reduction Strategy was developed concurrently with the Vision 2020 and both are now being implemented; (iv) Synergies should be built between the National Strategy on Lesotho’s Biological Diversity: Conservation and Sustainable Use and the National Programme of Action on Climate Change; (v) The first democratic local authorities since attaining independence in 1966 were elected in April 2005; (vi) A new Wetlands Division has been created under the Department of Water Affairs of the Ministry of Energy, Meteorology and Water Affairs (MEMWA), and by so doing signaling the urgent steps necessary to protect the diminishing wetlands that produce Lesotho’s waters - also referred to as “the white gold”. These issues were brought to the fore in reviewing the NAP. 1.2 The Lesotho National Action Plan to Implement Agenda 21 Because of the seriousness of desertification and drought, the nations of the world agreed on the text of the Convention at the Rio Earth Summit, and proposed that combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought be part of Agenda 21. Lesotho has drawn its National Action Plan to Implement Agenda 21 and within it are strategies to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought (Agenda 21, Lesotho, 1994). Lesotho’s strategies to implement Agenda 21 are to:  Prepare a comprehensive national plan for combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought;  Develop anti-desertification measures to be integrated within the plan;  Develop early warning systems to enhance preparedness; and  Promote public awareness of desertification control and management of effects of drought. The strategies listed above are in line with the requirements of the UNCCD and the Rio+20 sentiments that say “The time is ripe to agree on a Sustainable Development Goal at Rio+20 on Zero Net Land Degradation to secure the continuing availability of productive land for present and future generations”. The goal is to achieve sustainable land use for all (in agriculture, forestry, energy, urbanization) and three targets are stipulated namely:  Zero net land degradation by 2030  Zero net forest degradation by 2030  Drought policies and drought preparedness implemented in all drought-prone regions/countries by 2020. 4 1.3 The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) The UNCCD to which Lesotho is Party was ratified by Lesotho in September 1995.The objectives of the UNCCD (Article 2) are to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. The UNCCD describes desertification as land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities (Article 1 (a)). In Article 1(b) of the Convention, Combating Desertification is meant to include activities, which are part of integrated development in areas affected by DLDD for sustainable development and are aimed at preventing and/or reducing land degradation, rehabilitating partly degraded lands and reclaiming areas affected by DLDD. The Convention also embraces the efforts that are meant to reduce the negative impacts of drought. The Convention thus describes drought as a naturally occurring phenomenon existing when precipitation is significantly low and causes the hydrological imbalances which ultimately affect the land resource productive systems (Article 1 (c)). Mitigating the effects of drought means activities related to the prediction of drought and intended to reduce the vulnerability of society and natural systems to drought as it relates to combating desertification (Article 1 (d)). The purpose of the process of preparing and implementing national action is to harmonize the country’s efforts in fighting environmental degradation (particularly natural resources deterioration) and to further strengthen the efforts of the UNCCD and realign them with those of national environmental programme, particularly the national strategies to combat desertification. Lesotho has prepared several strategies that include elements of UNCCD. The most relevant ones are: the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the Lesotho Vision 2020 and the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) 2012/13-2016/17 and the strategic elements/objectives are formulated as part of Ministerial and Departmental policies (National Forestry Policy, Soil and Water Conservation Policy and Range Resources Management Policy). In addition to these, the following policies, Acts, bye-laws and regulations are relevant to the UNCCD:  The Land Act of 2010,  National Environment Act of 2008,  The National Environment Policy of 1996,  Water Resources Management Policy of 1999,  Gender and Development Policy of 2006,  Forestry Act of 1998,  Land Husbandry Act of 1969,  Lesotho Food Security Policy and Strategic Guidelines of 2008  The Lesotho Water and Sanitation Policy of 2007  National Action Plan for Food Security (NAPFS): 10 Year Plan 2007 - 2017 The priority for combating desertification in Lesotho is based on the implementation of preventive measures for lands that are not yet degraded, or which are slightly degraded. However, the severely degraded areas are not neglected but measures to reclaim them are to UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation 5 be undertaken. Since desertification and drought affect the rural communities more severely, prior attention is given to these groups throughout the country. In combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought, participation of local communities, rural organizations, National Government, Non-Governmental Organizations and international and regional organizations is essential. Partnerships will be built to enhance effective implementation of programmes and activities. 1.4 The Role of the Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation in the NAP Process The UNCCD calls for Parties to work closely together in the elaboration and implementation of NAPs (Article 14). The NAPs are the key operational tools for transforming the provisions of the Convention into concrete actions to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought at the national level. This then calls for a central body through which coordination can be brought about. Previously, this was delegated to NES (now DOE, a department within the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture,) established in 1994 to oversee and coordinate the National Action Plan to Implement Agenda 21 in Lesotho. The aim was to facilitate management of the physical environment through the human environment. Since the natural forces do not destroy the balance of environmental components as much as the human forces, NES found it imperative that, efforts to reverse environmental degradation be addressed through managing the human environment. In general, the DOE is the lead agency in environmental management in Lesotho and is mandated to promote socio-economically and environmentally sustainable development by coordinating, advising, and regulating environmental management in Lesotho Through a 2007 Cabinet decision, the responsibility for coordination of the preparation and implementation of the NAP currently lies with the Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation (MFLR) 4 , through the Department of Soil and Water Conservation, which becomes the National Focal Point for the programme. The mandate of MFLR is to provide policy, legal framework and strategic direction in the areas of Forestry, Range Resources Management, and Soil and Water Conservation. It is expected to ensure that, in all its endeavors, it creates opportunities for employment of people living in rural areas. The main objectives of the Ministry at its inception in 2003 were: to cover Lesotho with trees; to conserve soil and water and; to manage rangelands. However, MFLR is apparently composed of the following departments: Forestry, Soil and Water Conservation and Range Resources Management whose functions are inseparable. Rangelands are usually protected by grass cover to reduce run-off and provide feed for livestock. The gentle flow of water from rangelands can be diverted safely into storage facilities (reservoirs, ponds and tanks) for irrigation to improve cover on arable land. Tree planting is done to provide fuel wood, but trees also clothe the land as well and purify the air. 4 From March 2015, through a Cabinet Decision, with the same mandate MFLR was changed to Ministry of Forestry, Range and Soil Conservation 6 Soil and water conservation is a process of providing land cover which benefits the soil and animal life of each area. In order to implement the National Action Programme to Combat Desertification and Mitigate the Effects of Drought, MFLR, through the Department of Soil and Water Conservation embraces the following concerns:  Public awareness on DLDD issues must be promoted and communities at all levels be empowered to participate in all stages of the NAP;  Communities must be capacitated to better manage their land resources in a sustainable manner;  DLDD monitoring and assessment should support the coordination of the NAP and initiate development of a national environmental information system with a view to providing action-oriented information to users;  Early warning systems must be developed and put in place to enhance drought preparedness;  Research, development and transfer, acquisition and adaptation of technology should increase knowledge of desertification and drought processes and also help develop appropriate technologies for combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought. 1.5 Consultations for the Elaboration of the NAP The process of formulating the NAP for Lesotho began in May 1995 with consultations at the national and district levels. At the national level, the process was guided by the production of a paper by Chakela and Seitlheko (1995) detailing the level of desertification in Lesotho and the past efforts to combat it. A plenary workshop was held to further elaborate the NAP process and to indicate the way forward towards countrywide consultations. A consultative mechanism was then devised to guide the district and village level consultations. The district and community level discussions were held on the land degradation problem, its causes and remedies and the programmes that could be engaged to combat it and to better manage the land resource base. At the same time public awareness on desertification issues was undertaken. The district and village meetings began in May 1997. All in all ten district workshops and 37 village level meetings were held. Lessons learned from the district workshops and the village level meetings were many and varied but the following are noteworthy: 1. Villagers are aware of land degradation in their respective areas but are unable to take action due to lack of leadership from traditional as well as cosmopolitan leaders; 2. There are few government-community initiatives to enable active participation; 3. Communities are aware of the laws governing land use and protection of woodlots, grazing areas and bad agricultural practices, e.g. ploughing down the slope; 4. Communities are also aware that law enforcement is lacking in recent times; 5. Communities are aware that poverty in their areas is real and widespread and also that it inhibits people to participate fully in land degradation control programmes, especially where financial resources are required; 6. Communities also realize that individual initiatives in controlling land degradation are more successful than community or government organized initiatives. The lessons learned from national, district and community level workshops and meetings were used by the NES to draft a NAP Concept Paper which was subsequently reviewed and UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation 7 amended during the National Forum on the UNCCD held in Maseru from 17 to 19 March 1998. The present document has taken into account the results of the Forum as well as the recommendations of the October 1998 meeting of the National Desertification Steering Committee. An update of the NAP was produced in July 2005 in response to concerns raised by CRIC, at its May 2005 Meeting, that national reports (from developing Country Parties) did not capture national priorities, and that some still covered time-bound sectoral projects. As part of the preparation of the current document, several stakeholder workshops were held at district level to assess the progress on implementation of UNCCD in of light of the UNCCD 10-YEAR STRATEGY. One-day stakeholder workshops were held in each of the 10 districts of Lesotho and clustered into Northern and Southern groups. In addition to these, two national workshops were held. The lessons learned from these workshops have formed the basis for the elaboration of the current NAP. 8 CHAPTER 2:PROGRAMME OBJECTIVE, APPROACH AND RATIONALE 2.1 Programme Objective The objectives of the NAP is to structure and guide the implementation of the UNCCD and define the elements of strengthening environmental capacities, enhance public awareness and mobilize active participation in order to better manage the natural resources, combat DLDD. The objective also contains elements of strengthening the policy, legal and institutional foundations for environmental management. 2.2 Programme Approach The programme will, working in line with the strategy of the NES and UNCCD to combat desertification, work to harmonize all programme activities and raise public awareness on issues of land degradation and desertification. The programme approach will endeavour to ensure collaboration and coordination among government institutions, NGOs, the donor community and the public in order to minimize duplication and fragmentation of efforts and maximize impact. Of considerable importance is the need for accountability and transparency of institutions, organizations and agencies that are involved with the implementation of the NAP. Due to sharing experiences and information, such programme approach shall have a synergic effect, save resources, improve efficiency and enhance the quality and process of programme implementation. The first approach to NAP implementation is to develop a set of indicators of progress or lack thereof in combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought. A number of indicators have been included in Annex 1 and are to be developed further to enable monitoring and assessment of the programme impacts. 2.3 Programme Rationale The objective of the UNCCD is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through effective action at all levels, supported by international coordination and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach, which is consistent with the Agenda 21, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development (Article 2). The Lesotho NAP components are in support of this objective and seek to reduce poverty within the nation’s framework of economic growth and the protection of environment and natural resources. The NAP seeks to support efforts in capacity building to better manage the natural resources, combat land degradation and desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation 9 CHAPTER 3:STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES OF THE 10 YEAR UNCCD STRATEGY In order to structure overall programme of the NAP, the five Programme Areas that were formulated in 1998 and reviewed and adopted as part of NAP in 2005 have been subjected to a series of stakeholder consultations starting November 2013 in an effort to align the 2005 NAP with the 2007 10 Year UNCCD Strategy. The result has been elaboration of 4 Strategic and 5 Operational Objectives to guide the implementation of NAP. These are considered as different dimensions of the programme, and each of these have been further structured with its own sets of objectives and activities. The four Strategic Objectives and 5 operational objectives provide the basis for strengthening coordination and arriving at partnership to support various activities to be undertaken for successful implementation for the UNCCD in Lesotho. The four Strategic Objectives are: 1. To improve the living conditions of affected populations  People living in areas affected by DLDD to have an improved and more diversified livelihood base and to benefit from income generated from SLM.  Affected populations’ socio-economic and environmental vulnerability to climate change, climate variability and drought is reduced. 2. To improve the condition of affected ecosystems  Land productivity and other ecosystem goods and services in affected areas are enhanced in a sustainable manner contributing to improved livelihoods.  The vulnerability of affected ecosystems to climate change, climate variability and drought is reduced 3. To generate global benefits through effective implementation of the UNCCD  SLM and combating desertification/land degradation contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the mitigation of climate change 4. To mobilize resources to support implementation of the Convention through building effective partnerships between national and international actors  Increased financial, technical and technological resources are made available to affected developing country Parties  Enabling policy environments are improved for UNCCD implementation at all levels These are then elaborated into the following 5 Operational Objectives each of which is described in terms of a varying number of outcomes: 1. Advocacy, awareness raising and education (3 outcomes)  To actively influence relevant international, national and local processes and actors in adequately addressing desertification/land degradation and drought-related issues 2. Policy framework (5 outcomes)  To support the creation of enabling environments for promoting solutions to combat desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought 3. Science, technology and knowledge (6 outcomes)  To become a global authority on scientific and technical knowledge pertaining to desertification/land degradation and mitigation of the effects of drought 4. Capacity-building (2 outcomes) 10  To identify and address capacity building needs to prevent and reverse desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought. 5. Financing and technology transfer (4 outcomes)  To mobilize and improve the targeting and coordination of national, bilateral and multilateral financial and technological resources in order to increase their impact and effectiveness The table below provides a comparative view of the NAP 2005 Programmed Areas vis a vis the 10-Year Strategy Operation Objectives. The Operational Objectives have provided a more coordinated approach in the implementation of the NAP in that related activities strategically treated under one broad area. Table 1 2005 NAP Programme Areas and UNCCD 10-year Strategy’s Operational Objectives NAP 2005 Programme Areas 10-year Strategy Operational Objectives 1. Equity, Poverty Alleviation, Solidarity and Participation; Objectives:  To carry out labour-intensive and environmentally sound farming systems  To provide employment opportunities, in support of environmental rehabilitation;  To provide employment opportunities in environmental rehabilitation activities of a public nature;  To provide additional sources of income thereby improving the living standards of rural poor;  To provide solidarity assistance for activities of resources rehabilitation which are beyond the capacity of the village population;  To provide access to information on Government programmes and responsibilities. 1. Advocacy, awareness raising and education To actively influence relevant international, national and local processes and actors in adequately addressing desertification/land degradation and drought-related issues Outcomes: 1. Desertification/land degradation and drought issues and the synergies with climate change adaptation/mitigation and biodiversity conservation are effectively communicated among key constituencies at the international, national and local levels. 2. Desertification/land degradation and drought issues are addressed in relevant international forums, including those pertaining to agricultural trade, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, rural development, sustainable development and poverty reduction. 3. Civil society organizations (CSOs) and the scientific community in the North and the South are increasingly engaged as stakeholders in the Convention processes and desertification/land degradation and drought are addressed in their advocacy, awareness-raising and education initiatives 2. Technical Measures to Alleviate the 2: Policy framework UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation 11 Pressures on the Natural Resources Base. Objectives:  Improve production systems in order to achieve greater productivity whist conserving natural resources and in the framework of integrated approach to rural development;  Appropriate management of existing natural formations for the conservation of biodiversity, watershed protection, sustainable production and agricultural development in those areas not yet affected by desertification;  Rehabilitation through, inter alia, soil and water conservation, of moderately to severely areas affected by DLDD drylands for utilization and sustainable production;  Increased vegetative cover and improved management of biological resources in regions affected or prone to desertification and drought through afforestation or reforestation, agro forestry, community forestry and vegetation retention schemes;  Allocation of land to its best use;  Increase and improve livestock farming and veterinary services. To support the creation of enabling environments for promoting solutions to combat desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought Outcomes: 1. Policy, institutional, financial and socio economic drivers of desertification/land degradation and barriers to sustainable land management are assessed, and appropriate measures to remove these barriers are recommended. 2. Affected country Parties revise their national action programmes (NAPs) into strategic documents supported by biophysical and socio-economic baseline information and include them in integrated investment frameworks. 3. Affected country Parties integrate their NAPs and sustainable land management and land degradation issues into development planning and relevant sectoral and investment plans and policies. 4. Developed country Parties mainstream UNCCD objectives and sustainable land management interventions into their development cooperation programmes/projects in line with their support to national sectoral and investment plans. 5. Mutually reinforcing measures among desertification/land degradation action programmes and biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation are introduced or strengthened so as to enhance the impact of interventions. 3. Institutions, Organisations and Instrumentation Objectives:  Capacity of village communities take charge of their development and management of their resources;  Strategic planning frameworks at all levels (for development, protection and management of natural resources) that 3: Science, technology and knowledge To become a global authority on scientific and technical knowledge pertaining to desertification/land degradation and mitigation of the effects of drought. Outcomes: 1. National monitoring and vulnerability assessment on biophysical and socio economic trends in affected countries are 12 recognize individual roles of government, NGOs, User groups and communities, and integration of these plans into national development plans;  Partnership between government, at both national and local levels, other executing agencies, non-governmental organizations and land users for planning and implementation of environmental rehabilitation and sustainable natural resources management;  Support mechanisms to local communities in the efforts in combating desertification and ensuring full participation;  Mechanisms for resource mobilization (cross sectoral, national and international). supported. 2. A baseline based on the most robust data available on biophysical and socio economic trends is developed and relevant scientific approaches are gradually harmonized. 3. Knowledge on biophysical and socio economic factors and on their interactions in affected areas is improved to enable better decision-making. 4. Knowledge of the interactions between climate change adaptation, drought mitigation and restoration of degraded land in affected areas is improved to develop tools to assist decision-making. 5. Effective knowledge-sharing systems, including traditional knowledge, 5 are in place at the global, regional, sub regional and national levels to support policymakers and end users, including through the identification and sharing of best practices and success stories. 6. Science and technology networks and institutions relevant to desertification/land degradation and drought are engaged to support UNCCD implementation. 4. Knowledge support, Learning and Communication: Objectives  National environment information co ordination centres that will act as focal points for data collection and management and to provide standardization in information and back-up services;  Systematic observation networks linked to development of national systems for observation of land degradation and desertification (caused by both climatic fluctuations and human activities), and identify priority areas for action;  Permanent system for monitoring desertification and land degradation to 4: Capacity-building To identify and address capacity-building needs to prevent and reverse desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought. Outcomes 1. Countries which have carried out the national capacity self assessment (NCSA) implement the resulting action plans to develop the necessary capacity at the individual, institutional and systemic levels6 to tackle desertification/land degradation and drought issues at the national and local levels. 2. Those countries, which have not previously undertaken capacity needs assessments, engage in relevant assessments processes to identify UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation 13 provide up-to-date information;  Long term relay process for development, implementation and monitoring strategies related to resource management;  Process monitoring system based on agreed principle of interaction;  Integration of local knowledge and experience, with validation of indigenous knowledge;  Understanding by partners of each other’s roles, needs, objectives and points of view (by providing training, public awareness and open dialogue);  Understanding land tenure and customary rights for natural resources utilisation capacity needs for tackling desertification/land degradation and drought at the national and local levels. 5. Drought Preparedness and Drought Relief Schemes Objectives:  National strategies for drought preparedness in both the short and long term, aimed at  reducing the vulnerability of production systems to drought;  Early warning system to enable implementation of strategies for drought intervention;  Drought relief schemes and means of coping with environmental refugees and integrated them into national development planning. 5: Financing and technology transfer To mobilize and improve the targeting and coordination of national, bilateral and multilateral financial and technological resources in order to increase their impact and effectiveness. Outcomes 1. Affected country Parties develop integrated investment frameworks for leveraging national, bilateral and multilateral resources with a view to increasing the effectiveness and impact of interventions. 2. Developed country Parties provide substantial, adequate, timely and predictable financial resources to support domestic initiatives to reverse and prevent desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought. 3. Parties increase their efforts to mobilize financial resources from international financial institutions, facilities and funds, including the GEF, by promoting the UNCCD/Sustainable land management (SLM) agenda within the governing bodies of these institutions. 4. Innovative sources of finance and 14 financing mechanisms are identified to combat desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought, including from the private sector, market based mechanisms, trade, foundations and CSOs, and other financing mechanisms for climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use and for hunger and poverty reduction 5. Access sto technology by affected country parties is facilitated through adeqaute financing, effective economic and policy incentives and tecnical support, notably within the framework of South-South and North-South cooperation. The programme areas of 2005 NAP were reviewed and discussed in a series of stakeholder consultations (meetings, interviews, workshops) and in order to align the Lesotho NAP with the 10 year UNCCD Strategy. The lessons learned from of these form the basis of the detailed elaboration provided below. The district consultations workshops in Lesotho aimed to gather information of the following issues related to UNCCD 10 year strategy adopted in 2007:  The familiarity of the participants with the five operational objectives of the UNCCD 10 Year Strategy, and for which objectives, information on what actions could be taken to address the issues was sought.  The knowledge/familiarity with policies and other legal structure that enable the implementation of the UNCCD and their adequacy in enabling the implementation of the convention.  The Steps that can be taken to address the shortcomings in address issues of desertification, land degradation and drought. The responses were variable and many, but for them to inform the process properly they need to be ranked to enable prioritization of the adoption. However, they have enabled the development of the alignment processes. A summary of the outcomes and proposed activities to achieve the outcome of the operational objectives, as informed by the district workshops and the technical workshops held in May are presented in the next chapter. In addition, a Monitoring & and Evaluation Matrix has been developed to guide and monitor the implementation of the aligned NAP for Lesotho. UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation 15 CHAPTER 4: OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES OF THE NAP In the second National Workshop, the activities related to each Outcome of the five Operational Objectives were elaborated. A list of activities was identified for each of the Outcomes. However, in some cases the activities were not matched to specific outcomes under Operational objectives. Furthermore, no outputs were elaborated in the workshop. Therefore, the main issue addressed in this chapter is the content of the operational objectives, the outcomes identified for each operational objective and the activities proposed for realizing the output and finally the operational objectives. With this information, a detailed matrix to guide the M&E of the process has been developed. The following sections describe each Operational Objectives, Outputs, Activities and Role Players. Then the M&E matrix provides a tool for guiding implementation of the NAP. OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 1: Advocacy, Awareness raising and Education To actively influence relevant international, national and local processes and actors in adequately addressing desertification/land degradation and drought-related issues Outcome 1.1: Desertification/land degradation and drought issues and the synergies with climate change adaptation or mitigation and biodiversity conservation are effectively communicated among key constituencies at the international, national and local level Proposed Activities 1. Identify and define target groups and their sensitization needs 2. Identify resources i.e. financial estimates, resource persons 3. Produce and disseminate of sensitization packages 4. Sensitize policy makers on UNCCD issues Outcome 1.2: Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought issues are addressed in relevant international forums, including those pertaining to agricultural trade, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development and poverty reduction. Proposed Activities 1. Establish and strengthen environmental information systems at all levels 2. Strengthen Institutional performance audits 3. Establish monitoring systems that frequently give feed-back to planning levels information dealing with response and lessons learned which are relevant for future implementation of environmental rehabilitation activities 4. Improve coordination among all the stakeholders (from grass roots level to the highest level of Government). 5. Adopt best practices for farmer-to farmer exchange. 6. Hold awareness campaigns for Village Chiefs, Community Councils and District Councils; Outcome 1.3: Civil society organizations (CSOs) and the scientific community in the North and South are increasingly engaged as stakeholders in the Convention processes and desertification/land degradation and drought are addressed in their advocacy, awareness-raising and education initiatives 16 Proposed Activities 1. Government to sensitize CSOs, NGOs and the scientific community to promote synergies among conventions 2. Adopt policies and establish administrative structures for decentralized decision making and implementation for sustainable land management 3. Strengthen the organization and capacity of user groups to plan and negotiate desertification, land degradation and drought issues 4. Create commitment for long term goals on sustainable land management by all stakeholders 5. Develop structures for sustainable land management at national and local level in addressing DLDD issues OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 2: Policy Framework To support the creation of enabling environments for promoting solutions to combat desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought Outcome 2.1: Policy, institutional, financial and socio-economic drivers of desertification/land degradation and barriers to sustainable land management are assessed, and appropriate measures to remove these barriers are recommended Proposed Activities 1. Assess policy, institutional, financial and socio-economic drivers of desertification/land degradation and barriers to sustainable land management 2. Mainstream UNCCD objectives and sustainable land management interventions into development planning programs and relevant investment plans and policies Outcome 2.2: Affected country Parties revise their national action programmers (NAPs) into strategic documents supported by biophysical and socio-economic baseline information and include them in integrated investment frameworks Proposed Activities 1. Revise national/regional strategies, plans and programmers. 2. Mainstream NAP into major national strategies and programmes 3. Take effective economic, social and other appropriate incentive measures to encourage the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of such biological resources including the promotion of sustainable production systems, such as traditional methods of agriculture, agroforestry, forestry, range and wildlife management, which use, but maintain or increase biodiversity 4. Promote in situ protection and conservation of special ecological areas (e.g. High altitude wetlands) through legislation and other means for purposes of combating desertification while ensuring protection of biodiversity Outcome 2.3: Affected country Parties integrate their NAPs and sustainable land management and land degradation issues into development planning and relevant sect oral and investment plans and policies. Proposed Activities 1. Promote and encourage investment in sustainable land management in dryland areas. UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation 17 2. Develop new and strengthen existing strategies, plans and programmes of action for SLM, taking into account education and training needs. 3. Integrate SLM strategies into relevant sectoral or cross-sectoral plans, programmes and policies 4. Coordinate all stakeholders in the planning of action programmes 5. Incorporate sustainability principles in planning and design of projects Outcome 2.4 5 : Developed country Parties mainstream UNCCD objectives and sustainable land management interventions into their development cooperation programmes/projects in line with their support to national sectoral and investment plans. Outcome 2.5: Mutually reinforcing measures among desertification/land degradation action programmes and biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation are introduced or strengthened so as to enhance the impact of interventions. Proposed Activities 1. Identify mutually reinforcing measures among the Rio conventions 2. Introduce and strengthen the identified measures so as to enhance the impact of interventions. OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 3: Science, Technology and Knowledge To become a global authority on scientific and technical knowledge pertaining to desertification/ land degradation and mitigation of the effects of drought. Outcome 3.1: National monitoring and vulnerability assessment on biophysical and socio economic trends in affected countries are supported. Proposed Activities 1. Develop indicators to ensure effective screening and transfer of appropriate technologies in matters related to desertification 2. Support the integrated data collection and research work of programmes related to desertification and drought problems. 3. Increasing the understanding of the sustainable use, protection and management of natural resources to advance long-term sustainability. 4. Support national programmes for integrated data collection and research networks carrying out assessment of land degradation (e.g. mapping and monitoring the vegetation cover) 5. Strengthen national meteorological and hydrological networks and monitoring systems to ensure adequate collection of basic information and communication among national centres. 5 Not Applicable for Lesotho 18 6. Establish monitoring systems that frequently give feedback information to planning levels for future implementation of environmental rehabilitation activities. Outcome 3.2: A baseline based on the most robust data available on biophysical and socio economic trends is developed and relevant scientific approaches are gradually harmonized Proposed Activities 1. Conduct clear and sound baseline studies (situation analysis) to enhance institutional and human capacity for science and technology to address issues of DLDD. 2. Establish and strengthen environmental information systems at the national level. 3. Strengthen national and local environmental assessment and ensure coordination/ networking between environment information and monitoring systems. 4. Strengthen the capacity of national institutions to analyze environmental data so that ecological changes can be monitored and environmental information obtained on a continuing basis. 5. Review and study the means for measuring the ecological, economic, and social consequences of DLDD assessment practices. 6. Review and study the interactions between the socio-economic impacts of climate, drought and desertification and use the results to identify priorities and to ensure concrete actions. Outcome 3.3: Knowledge on biophysical and socio-economic factors on their interactions in affected areas is improved to enable better decision-making. Proposed Activities 1. Integrate scientific knowledge with indigenous knowledge and experiences for combating desertification. 2. Enhance capacity at the grass-roots level to identify and contribute to action programmes through trainings and awareness creations. 3. Establish and utilize mechanisms for consultation and involvement of land users. Outcome 3.4: Knowledge of interactions between climate change adaptation, drought mitigation and restoration of degraded land in affected areas is improved to develop tools to assist decision- making Proposed Activities 1. Make study at an early stage of planning for environmental rehabilitation of successful and/or innovative actions and experiences by local resources users and authorities. 2. Establish and utilize mechanisms for the consultation and involvement of land users. 3. Build capacities of local communities and private sector in the application of technologies to address desertification. 4. Conduct research to identify options that efficiently contribute to address effects of land degradation and desertification. 5. Promote dissemination of research findings and adoption of appropriate technologies. UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation 19 Outcome 3.5: Effective knowledge sharing systems, including traditional knowledge, are in place at the global, regional, sub-regional and national levels to support policy makers and end users, including through identification and sharing of best practices and success stories Proposed Activities 1. Promote farmers exchange programmes. 2. Produce a catalogue of proven technologies. 3. Build technology packages to combat desertification. 4. Enhance institutional and human capacity for science and technology to address issues of desertification. 5. Integrate traditional knowledge in project and programmes for combating desertification. Outcome 3.6: Science and technology networks and institutions relevant to desertification/ land degradation and drought are engaged to support UNCCD implementation Proposed Activities 1. Review and study the means for measuring the ecological, economic and social consequences of desertification and land degradation and introduce the results of these studies into desertification and land degradation assessment practices. 2. Review and study the interactions between the socio-economic impacts of climate, drought and desertification and use these results to identify priorities and to secure concrete action. 3. Formulate a policy that integrates application of science and technology in combating desertification. 4. Establish national and local anti-desertification networks comprising authorities in Government and local committees or associations of land-users with a view to strengthening coordination between all actors (from grass root level to the highest level of Government. OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE4: Capacity-Building To identify and address capacity building needs to prevent and reverse desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought. Outcome 4.1: Countries, which have carried out NCSA implement the resulting action, plans to develop the necessary capacity at the individual institutional and systemic levels to tackle desertification/land degradation and drought issues at the national and local levels. Proposed Activities 1. Develop and enhance of policy and legislative environment that support the implementation of MEAs 2. Integrate MEA objectives into national and local development planning and implementation 3. Institutional mandates for the MEAs and promotion of synergistic approach in implementation 4. Promote awareness on the contents and contexts of the MEAs 5. Increase research and monitoring capacity on MEAs 6. Address human resource issues in the implementing and partner institutions 7. Improve of institutional capacity for the implementation of activities related to MEAs 20 8. Develop of training material 9. Train target groups 7. Develop training programmes to increase the level of awareness and participation of people 8. Build capacities of local communities and private sector in the application of technologies to address desertification. Outcome 4.2 6 : Those countries, which have not previously undertaken capacity needs assessments, engage in relevant assessments processes to identify capacity needs for tackling desertification/land degradation and drought at the national and local levels. OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 5: Financing and Technology Transfer To mobilize and improve the targeting and coordination of national, bilateral and multilateral financial and technological resources in order to increase their impact and effectiveness Outcome 5.1: Affectedcountry Parties develop integrated investement frameworks for leveraging national, bilateral and multilateral resources with a view to increasing the effectiveness and impact of interventions. Proposed Activities 1. Hold Consultations with stakeholders 2. Draft a policy document 3. Hold a stakeholders’ workshop to review the document 4. Hold training workshops for science and technology personnel 5. Conduct institutional reforms 6. Undertake study tours 7. Carry out job rotations 8. Encourage attachments 9. Identify suitable sites to conduct research trials 10. Liaise with relevant research institutions/organizations in desertification issues 11. Hold meetings/seminars/workshops/conferences/symposiums with stakeholders 12. Maintain networks established during the meetings, seminars etc Outcome 5.2: Developed country Parties provide substantial, adequate, timely and predictable financial resources to support domestic initiatives to reverse and prevent desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought Proposed Activities 1. Identify domestic initiatives that need financial support 6 Not Applicable for Lesotho UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation 21 2. Liaise with developed countries to facilitate distribution of financial resources 3. Draft plan of action that indicates the domestic activities to be financed Outcome 5.3: Parties increase thier efforts to mobilize financial resources from international financial institutions, facilities and funds, inclusing the GEF, by promoting the UNCCD/Sustainable Land Management (SLM) agenda within the governing bodies of these institutions. Proposed Activities 1. Draft project proposal on DLDD/SLM projects 2. Liaise with donor agencies in order to lobby approval and disbursement of funds 3. Identify mechanisms to be promoted for coordination of programmes 4. Prioritize projects/programmes to be implemented 5. Coordinate effectively, programmes on DLDD Outcome 5.4: Innovative sources of finance mechanisms are idenfitied to cambat desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought, including from the private sector, market-based mechanisms, trade, foundations and CSOs, and other financing mechanisms for climate change adaptation and mitigtion, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use and for hunger and poverty reduction. Proposed Activities 1. Establish new environmental monitoring systems 2. Strengthen existing environmental systems 3. Liaise with Lesotho Meteorological services (LMS) to strengthen meteorological and hydrological networks 4. Collaborate with LMS to capture, store, analyze and use information on meteorology and hydrology 5. Establish a committee Outcome 5.5: Access to technology by affected country parties is facilitated through adequate financing, effective economic and policy incentives and tecnical support, notably within the framework of South-South and North-South cooperation. Proposed Activities 1. Identify sources of funding within affected country parties of the South 2. Identify economic and policy incentives suitable and accessible to country parties 3. Mobilize financial resources 4. Liaise with implementing agencies to ease access and management of finances 5. Finance study tours among technocrats, farmers and traditional leaders to improve access and exchange of technology among country parties The activities under each outcome strategically result in specific outputs measured by performance indicators and linked to role players. In order to guide the implementation of the NAP a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework has been developed and is presented as Appendix 1 of this documents. 22 APPENDIX 1. MONITORING AND EVALUATION FOR ALIGNED NAP OUTPUT ACTIVITY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TIMELINES ACTORS OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 1: ADVOCACY, AWARENESS RAISING AND EDUCATION To actively influence relevant international, national and local processes and actors in adequately addressing desertification/land degradation and drought-related issues Outcome 1.1 Desertification/land degradation and drought issues and the synergies with climate change adaptation/mitigation and biodiversity conservation are effectively communicated among key constituencies at the international, national and local levels. 1.1.1 Target groups identified Identify and define influential leaders and target groups and their sensitization needs List and number of influential leaders and target groups MFLR, MTEC, NGOs, CSOs, MAFS, MEMWA, MLoGC, MDP 1.1.2 Resources identified and mobilized Identify and mobilize resources i.e. financial estimates, human resource Number and type of resources identified and mobilized Financial institutions, MFLR, MTEC, NGOs, CSOs, MAFS, MEMWA, MLoGC, MDP, MoF 1.1.3 Packages developed and disseminated Production and dissemination of sensitization packages Number and type of packages MFLR, MTEC, NGOs, CSOs, MAFS, MEMWA, MLoGC, MDP, MoF, STIs 1.1.4 Meetings held Sensitization of policy makers on UNCCD issues Number of sensitization meetings held MFLR, MTEC, NGOs, CSOs, MAFS, MEMWA, MLoGC, MDP, MoF UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 23 Outcome 1.2. Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought issues are addressed in relevant international forums, including those pertaining to agricultural trade, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development and poverty reduction. 1.2.1 Environmental information systems established 1. Establish and strengthen environmental information systems at all level Number and type of information systems established MFLR, MTEC, NGOs, CSOs, MAFS, MEMWA, MLoGC, MDP, MoF, STIs 1.2.2 Functional environmental institutions 2. Strengthen Institutional performance audits Number of Trained/Qualified personnel engaged MFLR, NUL, LAC, LUCT, DOE 1.2.3 Monitoring systems established 3. Establish monitoring systems that frequently give feed-back to planning levels information dealing with response and lessons learned which are relevant for future implementation of environmental rehabilitation activities Number of monitoring systems established MFLR,DOE, MAFS,MEMWA 1.2.4 Increased participation in planning, implementation and monitoring of environmental issues Improve coordination among all the stakeholders (from grass roots level to the highest level of Government). Number of participating institutions MFLR, MTEC, NGOs, CSOs, MAFS, MEMWA, MLoGC, MDP, MoF, STIs 24 1.2.5 Farmer to farmer study tours and information sharing platforms Use successful cases for farmer-to farmer exchange Number of farmer to farmer study tours and information sharing platforms MFLR, MLoGC, MAFS, NGOs 1.2.6 Awareness campaigns Hold awareness campaigns for Village Chiefs, Community Councils, District Councils and Schools Number of awareness campaigns held MFLR, MLoGC, MAFS, NGOs, MOET Outcome 1.3. Civil society organizations (CSOs) and the scientific community in the North and South are increasingly engaged as stakeholders in the Convention processes and desertification/land degradation and drought are addressed in their advocacy, awareness-raising and education initiatives 1.3.1 Integrated plans Government to sensitize CSOs, NGOs and the scientific community to promote synergies among conventions Number of Integrated plans developed MFLR, MTEC, NGOs, CSOs, MAFS, MEMWA, MLoGC, MDP, MoF, STIs, Development Partners 1.3.3 Organizations and user groups capacitated Strengthen the organization and capacity of user groups to plan and negotiate desertification, land degradation and drought issues Number of organizations and user groups capacitated MFLR, MAFS, MEMWA, NGOs 1.3.4 Organizational Structures Developed Develop structures (e.g. committees) for sustainable land management at national and local level in addressing DLDD issues Number and type of organizational structures developed MFLR, MAFS, MEMWA, NGOs UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 25 1.3.5 Long-term commitment declarations by stakeholders endorsed Create commitment for long term goals on sustainable land management by all stakeholders Number of declarations endorsed by stakeholders All Stakeholders OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK To support the creation of enabling environments for promoting solutions to combat desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought Outcome 2.1.: Policy, institutional, financial and socio-economic drivers of desertification/land degradation and barriers to sustainable land management are assessed, and appropriate measures to remove these barriers are recommended 2.1.1 Identified and assessed SLM barriers in place. Assess policy, institutional, financial and socio economic drivers of DLDD and barriers to SLM Consultancy Report produced (C-SIF Lesotho Report) MFLR and other line ministries and NGOS 2.1.2 Policy adoption and decentralized structures in place Adopt policies and establish administrative structures for decentralized decision making and implementation for sustainable land management. Policy document By 2017 MoLGC, MFLR 2.1.3Sustainable land management up-scaled 1. Mainstream UNCCD objectives and sustainable land management interventions into development planning programs and relevant Report By 2030 MFLR 26 investment plans and policies 2. Implement community based SLM programmes Area (in hectares) under SLM activities MFLR Outcome 2.2: Affected country Parties revise their national action programmes (NAPs) into strategic documents supported by biophysical and socio-economic baseline information and include them in integrated investment frameworks 2.2.1 Revised strategies, plans, programmes and policies in place Revise national/regional strategies, plans and programmes. Number of revised strategies, plans and programmes MFLR, MAFS, MoLGC, MTEC, MEMWA, MoDP, NGOs, CBO and others 2.2.2 Increased biodiversity Take effective economic, social and other appropriate incentive measures to encourage the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of such biological resources including the promotion of sustainable production systems, such as traditional methods of agriculture, agroforestry, forestry, range and wildlife management, which use, but maintain or 1. Number of documents on incentive measures 2. Number of documents on promotion of sustainable production systems 3. Number of species 4. Increased vegetative cover (grasslands, croplands, forests, wetlands) MFLR and other line ministries UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 27 increase biodiversity 2.2.3 Protection and conservation of unique ecological areas designated Promote in situ protection and conservation of special ecological areas (e.g. High altitude wetlands) through legislation and other means for purposes of combating desertification while ensuring protection of biodiversity. Size of protected areas (ha) MFLR Outcome 2.3: Affected country Parties integrate their NAPs and sustainable land management and land degradation issues into development planning and relevant sectoral and investment plans and policies. 2.3.1 Sustainable Land Management investment plans and policies in place Promote and encourage investment in sustainable land management in dryland areas. Developed plans and polices MFLR, Finance and other relevant line ministries 2.3.2 Biological resources are used sustainably Develop new and strengthen existing strategies, plans and programmes of action for SLM, taking into account education and training needs. Available stocks MFLR, Education and other relevant line ministries 2.3.3 SLM strategies integrated into relevant sectoral and cross sectoral plans, programmes, policies and legislative frameworks Integrate SLM strategies into relevant sectoral or cross-sectoral plans, programmes, policies and legislative frameworks 1. Plans 2. Evidence of inclusion of elements of SLM approach in legislation MFLR,DOE and other relevant line ministries 28 2.3.4 Multi-sectoral plans developed Coordinate all stakeholders in the planning of action programmes Multi-sectoral plans MFLR and other relevant line ministries 2.3.5 Effective projects Incorporate sustainability principles in planning and design of projects Number of sustainable programmes MFLR, Public Works, Mines and other relevant line ministries Outcome 2.4: Developed country Parties mainstream UNCCD objectives and sustainable land management interventions into their development cooperation programmes/projects in line with their support to national sectoral and investment plans. 2.4.1 UNCCD meetings attended Participate in all UNCCD meetings and COPs Reports on meetings attended MFLR 2.4.2 Capacitated personnel Build capacity, especially within government, business enterprises and bilateral and multilateral development agencies for integrating biodiversity concerns, potential benefits and opportunity costs calculations into project design, implementation and evaluation processes as well as evaluating the impact on biological diversity of proposed development projects Number of people trained MFLR, MOET and other relevant line ministries Outcome 2.5: Mutually reinforcing measures among desertification/land degradation action programmes and biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation are introduced or strengthened so as to enhance the impact of interventions. UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 29 2.5.1 Mutually reinforcing measures among Rio Conventions identified Identify mutually reinforcing measures among the Rio conventions List of measures 2017 MFLR, MAFS, DOE and other relevant line ministries 2.5.2 Impact of interventions enhanced Introduce and strengthen the identified measures so as to enhance the impact of interventions. Type and number of interventions 2016 MFLR, MAFS, DOE and other relevant line ministries OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 3: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND KNOWLEDGE To become a global authority on scientific and technical knowledge pertaining to desertification/ land degradation and mitigation of the effects of drought. Outcome 3.1: National monitoring and vulnerability assessment on biophysical and socio-economic trends in affected countries are supported. 3.1.1 .Effective/functional monitoring and evaluation framework in place. Develop indicators to ensure effective screening and transfer of appropriate technologies in matters related to desertification Number of M & E Frameworks developed MFLR, all line Ministries, Development Partners, Civil Societies, NGOs, CBOs, Higher Learning Institutions, Private Sector 3.1.2 Data packs/banks available Support the integrated data collection and research work of programmes related to desertification and drought problems. Number of up-to-date data bases MFLR, NUL 3.1.3 Positive change of mindset observed. Natural resources management and Build capacity for sustainable use of natural resources. Number of adopted innovative technologies in combating DLDD issues. Land users, NGOs, Line Ministries 30 livelihoods improved. 3.1.4 Data packs available. Support national programmers for integrated data collection and research networks carrying out assessment of land degradation (e.g. mapping and monitoring the vegetation cover) Number of data packs produced MFLR 3.1.5 Meteorological and hydrological networks strengthened Liaise with Lesotho Meteorological services (LMS) to strengthen meteorological and hydrological networks. Report MFLR, MEMWA 3.1.6 Collaboration and use of meteorological and hydrological information in place Collaborate with LMS to capture, store, analyze and use information on meteorology and hydrology. Report MEMWA 3.1.7 A committee established Establish a committee. Document for establishing committee MEMWA 3.1.5 User friendly data packs available. Strengthen national meteorological and hydrological networks and monitoring systems to ensure adequate collection of basic information and communication among national centres. Number of packs MEMWA UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 31 3.1.6 Data packs available. Establish monitoring systems that frequently give feed-back information to planning levels for future implementation of environmental rehabilitation activities. Number of packs MEMWA Outcome 3.2: A baseline based on the most robust data available on biophysical and socio-economic trends is developed and relevant scientific approaches are gradually harmonized. 3.2.1 Environmental data systems in place. Conduct clear and sound baseline studies (situation analysis) to enhance institutional and human capacity for science and technology to address issues of DLDD. Reports MFLR, MTEC 3.2.2 Cost-benefit-analysis study conducted Conduct a study on cost benefit analysis for SLM interventions in order to sensitize policy makers and rationalize decision making and resource allocation by government. Reports MFLR 3.2.3. Environmental data systems in place. Establish and strengthen environmental information systems at the national and local level. Number of environmental data systems established MTEC 32 3.2.4 Functional coordination body in place Strengthen national and local environmental assessment and ensure coordination/networking between environment information and monitoring systems. Coordination body legally established MTEC 3.2.5 Methodologies and tools for assessment clearly defined Review and study the means for measuring the ecological, economic, and social consequences of desertification and land degradation. Reports MFLR, NUL 3.2.6 Reviews and studies undertaken Review and study the interactions between the socio-economic impacts of climate, drought and desertification and use the results to identify priorities and to ensure concrete actions Reports MFLR, NUL Outcome 3.3: Knowledge on biophysical and socio-economic factors on their interactions in affected areas is improved to enable better decision making. 3.3.1 Diverse technologies implemented and maintained at grass-root/ local level. Integrate scientific knowledge with indigenous knowledge and experiences for combating desertification. Reports and Publications MFLR, NUL UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 33 3.3.2 Positive change of mind set of local communities observed in addressing land degradation issues. Enhance capacity at the grass-roots level to identify and contribute to action programmers through trainings and awareness creations. Reports on indicating adoption of best practices MAFS,MFLR, NGOs, CSOs 3.3.3 Informed interventions in place Establish and utilize mechanisms for the consultation and involvement of land users. Presence of formal and regular consultative fora MFLR, NGOs, Land users, MLoGC 3.3.4 Capacity development and collaboration among private sector and local community established. Build capacity of local communities and private sector in the application of technologies to address desertification/land degradation.  Reports on capacity development  Incidences of joint work by any two sectors or more. MLoGC, NGOs, CSOs, MAFS, MFLR 3.3.5 A catalogue of proven technologies available. Identify options that efficiently contribute to address effects of land degradation and desertification. Number of catalogues produced MFLR 3.3.6 Appropriate technologies adopted in combating land degradation. Disseminate research findings for adoption of appropriate technologies. Reports on increase in adoption of appropriate technologies MAFS, MFLR, MCST, MOET Outcome 3.4: Knowledge of interactions between climate change adaptation and restoration of degraded land in affected areas is improved to develop tools to assist decision- making 34 3.4.1 Improved and informed planning for environmental protection and rehabilitation by local resource users and authorities. Conduct study at an early stage of planning for environmental rehabilitation of successful and/or innovative actions and experiences by local resource users and authorities. Reports MFLR 3.4.2 Informed interventions in place Establish and utilize mechanisms for the consultation and involvement of land users. Reports MFLR, CSOs, Land Users, MLoGC, 3.4.4 A catalogue of proven technologies available. Identify options that efficiently contribute to address effects of land degradation and desertification. Catalogues MFLR 3.4.5 Appropriate technologies adopted in combating land degradation. Disseminate research findings for adoption of appropriate technologies Research reports distribution lists MAFS, MFLR, MCST, MOET Outcome 3.5: Effective knowledge sharing systems, including traditional knowledge, are in place at global, regional, sub-regional and national levels to support policy makers and end users, in identification and sharing of best practices and success stories 3.5.1 Positive change of mind set of farmers in addressing land degradation issues. Promote farmers exchange programmes Number of exchange programmes established Land users, MFLR, NGOs, MAFS 3.5.2 A catalogue of proven Produce a catalogue of Catalogues distribution lists MFLR, MCST UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 35 technologies available proven technologies. 3.5.3 Appropriate technologies in addressing issues of land degradation in place. Build a tool kit to facilitate imposition of appropriate measures to combat land degradation Toolkits and manuals MFLR, NGOs, MAFS 3.5.4Traditional knowledge integrated into programmes for combating desertification 1. Integrate traditional knowledge in project and programmes for combating desertification. 2. Source out traditional knowledge needed to address desertification 3. Merge traditional knowledge with scientific one 4. Apply integrated knowledge to address desertification 1. Number of traditional leaders Actively participating in DLDD/SLM projects 2. Availability of comprehensive document showing the merging of traditional knowledge with scientific one Within 2 years. MFLR, Traditional Leaders, Line Ministries and NGOs 3.5.5 Up-scaling of successful SLM experiences Upscale the best practices country-wide Area covered under SLM MFLR, MAFS, MLGC Outcome 3.6: Science and technology networks and institutions relevant to desertification/ land degradation are engaged to support UNCCD implementation 3.6.1 Land degradation assessment practices Review and study the means for measuring the ecological, economic and Reports By 2017 MFLR, NUL 36 social consequences of desertification and land degradation and introduce the results of these studies into desertification and land degradation assessment practices. 3.6.2 Identification of priorities for action against land degradation Review and study the interactions between the socio-economic impacts of climate, drought and desertification and use these results to identify priorities and to secure concrete action Reports By 2017 MFLR 3.6.3 Functional policy documents available Formulate a policy that integrates application of science and technology in combating desertification. Policies documents All stakeholders 3.6.4 National and local networks established  Functional desertification committees  More donors for land degradation projects and programmes  Effective information Establish national and local anti-desertification networks comprising authorities in Government and local committees or associations of land-users with a view to strengthening coordination between all actors (from grass root level to the highest level of  Number of Committees and their functions  Number of donor projects  Reports and workshops  Number of projects supported by private sector NGOs, Land Users, line Ministries UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 37 exchange.  More involvement of private sector with their resources. Government. OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 4: CAPACITY-BUILDING To identify and address capacity-building needs to prevent and reverse desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought Outcome 4.1: Countries which have carried out NCSA implement the resulting action plans to develop the necessary capacity at the individual institutional and systemic levels to tackle desertification/land degradation and drought issues at the national and local levels. 4.1.1 Land tenure issues addressed Study the relevance of local land tenure and customary rights for environmental rehabilitation and sustainable natural resources management. Report By 2020 MFLR 4.1.2 Legislative framework developed on basis of lessons learned Document lessons learned and formulate recommendations for modifications (if needed) in land tenure and/or legislation at an early stage of planning environmental rehabilitation programmes and projects. Government gazette for legislation MFLR 4.1.1 NCSA action plan implemented 1. Develop and enhance policy and legislative environment that Number of developed and enhanced policies and MFLR, MTEC, NGOs, CSOs, MAFS, MEMWA, MLoGC, MDP, MoF, 38 support the implementation of MEAs legislation STIs, Development Partners 2. Integrate MEA objectives into national and local development planning and implementation Number of MEA objectives integrated into national and local plans All Stakeholders 3. Institutional mandates for the MEAs and promotion of synergistic approach in implementation Rules and regulations developed DOE, MFLR (All line ministries), NGOs 4. Promote awareness on the contents and contexts of the MEAs Number of awareness campaigns on MEAs indicated in reports DOE, MFLR (All line ministries), NGOs 5. Increase research and monitoring capacity of MEAs Number of research and monitoring studies conducted DOE, MFLR (All line ministries), NGOs 6. Address human resource issues in the implementing and partner institutions Number of qualified personnel and institutions engaged MPS,NGOs, Line Ministries 7. Improve institutional capacity for the implementation of activities related to Number of successful plans implemented MFLR, MDP, MAFS, DOE, NGOs UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 39 MEAs, enunciating the importance of empowering financial cadre, local government officers, and decision makers in NAP. 8. Adopt policies and establish administrative structures for decentralized decision making and implementation for sustainable natural resources management Report indicating administrative structures MLoGC 9. Strengthen the organization and capacity of user groups to plan and negotiate natural resource management, and create commitment for long term goals on natural resources management of all stakeholders Number and size of user groups MFLR, MAFS, MLoGC 10. Establish district structures for natural resources management. Number of district structures MFLR, MLoGC 11. Develop training Number of training MFLR, MOET, NGOs, 40 material and programmes to increase the level of awareness and participation of people materials and programmes developed MAFS, DOE 12. Train target groups(planning, research, service providers, government officials at all levels)  Number of training sessions  Number and size of target groups MFLR, NGOs, 13. Explore the potential for engagement of public/private sector partnerships in land management as it is still untapped in terms of investment for SLM initiatives. One of the weaknesses of the private sector is a lack of awareness of business opportunities available in land and water management. Reports MFLR, NGOs, MEMWA, MoF, DOE, Development partners, MDP, 14. Build capacities of local communities and private sector in the application of technologies to address desertification.  Number and size of local communities  Number of private sectors entities MFLR, MCST, NGOs, MLoGC UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 41 OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 5: FINANCING AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER To mobilise and improve the targeting and coordination of national, bilateral and multilateral financial and technological resources in order to increase their impact and effectiveness Outcome 5.1: Affected country Parties develop integrated investment frameworks for leveraging national, bilateral and multilateral resources with a view to increasing the effectiveness and impact of interventions Output Activity Indicator Timeline Actors 5.1.1 Policy that integrates application of science and technology formulated 1. Hold Consultations with stakeholders 2. Draft a policy document 3. Hold a stakeholders’ workshop to review the document 4. Adopt a policy document Policy document December 2016 DoC 5.1.2 Institutional and human capacity for science and technology enhanced 1. Hold training workshops for science and technology personnel 2. Conduct institutional reforms 1. Competent as well as motivated personnel 2. Quality and timely services offered by institutions Yearly Directors and DPS 5.1.3 Technology exchange and transfer among affected country parties is in place 1. Undertake study tours 2. Carry out job rotations 3. Encourage attachments 1. Number of study tours undertaken 2. Reports showing the type of technology Annually MFLR Directors and line ministries and other institutions. 42 transferred 3. Audio-visuals and other materials that show different technologies used during attachments 5.1.4 Integrated programme of research on issues related to DLDD established 3. Identify suitable sites to conduct research trials 4. Liaise with relevant research institutions/organisation s in desertification issues 5. Conduct research trials 6. Collect and analyse data 7. Publish research findings/results 1. Number of sites identified. 2. Research Reports 3. Research trials done 4. Data collection completed 5. Published research documents. Yearly Research personnel 5.1.5 National and regional anti desertification networks established 1. Hold meetings/seminars/work shops/conferences/symp osiums with stakeholders 2. Maintain networks established during the meetings, seminars etc. 1. Consistent and or reliable exchange of information among stakeholders 2. Number of meetings, seminars, etc. held. Annually MFLR Directors, line ministries, CSOs and NGOs Outcome 5.2: Developed country Parties provide substantial, adequate, timely and predictable financial resources to support domestic initiatives to reverse and prevent desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought. UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 43 5.2.1 Domestic initiatives in need of financial support identified Identify domestic initiatives that need financial support. Report MFLR 5.2.2 Liaison with development partners Liaise with developed countries to facilitate distribution of financial resources Report MFLR, Development Partners 5.2.3 Plan of action drafted Draft plan of action that indicates the domestic activities to be financed. Plan of action MFLR, MoF, MDP Outcome 5.3: Parties increase their efforts to mobilize financial resources from international financial institutions, facilities and funds, including the GEF, by promoting the UNCCD/Sustainable Land Management (SLM) agenda within the governing bodies of these institutions. 5.3.1 Adequate financial resources for the application of science and technology programmes in combating desertification mobilized 1. Draft project proposals on DLDD/SLM projects 2. Liaise with donor agencies in order to lobby approval and disbursement of funds 1. Amount of pledged and availability funds 2. Number of liaisons established Yearly MFLR, GEF agencies, Development partners 5.3.2 Strengthened mechanisms that promote prioritization and coordination of programmes and projects on desertification established 1. Identify mechanisms to be promoted for coordination of programmes 2. Prioritise projects/programmes to be implemented 1. Reports indicating the mechanisms for coordination. 2. List of identified project areas. 3. DLDD programmes By 2015 MFLR Directors, line ministries, CSOs and NGOs 44 3. Coordinate effectively, programmes on DLDD implemented on time Outcome 5.4: Innovative sources of finance mechanisms are identified to combat desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought, including from the private sector, market-based mechanisms, trade, foundations and CSOs, and other financing mechanisms for climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use and for hunger and poverty reduction. 5.4.1 Environmental financing mechanisms at the national level in place 1. Identify environmental financing mechanisms to be strengthened 2. Establish new innovative environmental financing mechanisms on basis of financial diagnostic study already done under SLM project 3. Strengthen existing environmental financing mechanisms 4. Develop a strategy for mobilisation of financial resources. 1. List showing identified environmental financing mechanisms. 2. List of new innovative financing mechanisms 3. Established environmental information system 4. Reports showing functional environmental financial systems. By December 2015 MFLR Directors, line ministries, CSOs and NGOs 5.4.2 Capacities of local communities and private sector in mobilizing funds for environmental programmes/projects 1. Identify the vulnerable communities affected by DLDD 2. Liaise with relevant stakeholders in order to 1. List showing the vulnerable communities 2. Joint plan of activities to be done by MFLR and 2017 MFLR, CSOs and NGOS and line Ministries. UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 45 strengthened build resilience of these communities 3. Implement new technologies that address desertification 4. Encourage adoption of new technologies by affected communities line ministries. 3. Knowledgeable communities capable of adopting and applying new technologies. 4. Number of newly adopted technologies 5.4.3 Strengthened national and local environmental assessment and monitoring systems for desertification issues 1. Establish national and local environmental systems for assessment 2. Establish national and local monitoring systems 1. Reports depicting number of environmental assessment performed. 2. Number of monitoring systems strengthened. Within 2 years MFLR and line ministries as well as affected communities 5.4.4 Strengthened national and monitoring systems to ensure adequate collection of basic information and communication among national centres 1. Liaise with Lesotho Meteorological services (LMS) to strengthen meteorological and hydrological networks 2. Collaborate with LMS to capture, store, analyse and use information on meteorology and hydrology 3. Establish a committee 1. Number of functional meteorological and hydrological networks. 2. Strengthened monitoring systems. 3. Committee established Within 2 years MFLR and line ministries as well as affected communities Outcome 5.5: Access to technology by affected country parties is facilitated through adeqaute financing, effective economic and policy incentives and tecnical support, notably within the framework of South-South and North-South cooperation. 46 5.5.1 South -South funding identified Identify sources of funding within affected country parties of the South. Report MDP, MFLR 5.5.2 Economic and Policy incentives Identify economic and policy incentives suitable and accessible to country parties Report MDP 5.5.3 Resource mobilisation Mobilize financial resources. Report MDP 5.5.4 Management of finances Liaise with implementing agencies to ease access and management of finances. Report MoF 5.5.5 Study tours and exchange of information Finance study tours among technocrats, farmers and traditional leaders to improve access and exchange of technology among country parties Report MFLR 47 APPENDIX 2. INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ALIGNED NAP OUTCOME BUDGET OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 1: ADVOCACY, AWARENESS RAISING AND EDUCATION To actively influence relevant international, national and local processes and actors in adequately addressing desertification/land degradation and drought-related issues 1.1 Desertification/land degradation and drought issues and the synergies with climate change adaptation/mitigation and biodiversity conservation are effectively communicated among key constituencies at the international, national and local levels 255,000.00 1.2. Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought issues are addressed in relevant international forums, including those pertaining to agricultural trade, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development and poverty reduction. 830,000.00 1.3. Civil society organizations (CSOs) and the scientific community in the North and South are increasingly engaged as stakeholders in the Convention processes and desertification/land degradation and drought are addressed in their advocacy, awareness-raising and education initiatives 1,260,000.00 Subtotal 3,605,000.00 OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK To support the creation of enabling environments for promoting solutions to combat desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought 2.1.: Policy, institutional, financial and socio-economic drivers of desertification/land degradation and barriers to sustainable land management are assessed, and appropriate measures to remove these barriers are recommended 115,000.00 2.2: Affected country Parties revise their national action programmes (NAPs) into strategic documents supported by biophysical and socio economic baseline information and include them in integrated investment frameworks 330,000.00 2.3: Affected country Parties integrate their NAPs and sustainable land management and land degradation issues into development planning and relevant sectoral and investment plans and policies. 2.4: Developed country parties mainstream UNCCD objectives and sustainable land management interventions into their development cooperation programmes/projects in line with their support to national sectoral and investment plans. 48 OUTCOME BUDGET 2.5: Mutually reinforcing measures among desertification/land degradation action programmes and biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation are introduced or strengthened so as to enhance the impact of interventions. 4,033.00 SubTotal 449,033.00 OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 3: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND KNOWLEDGE To become a global authority on scientific and technical knowledge pertaining to desertification/ land degradation and mitigation of the effects of drought. 3.1: National monitoring and vulnerability assessment on biophysical and socio-economic trends in affected countries are supported. 3.2: A baseline based on the most robust data available on biophysical and socio-economic trends is developed and relevant scientific approaches are gradually harmonized. 3.3: Knowledge on biophysical and socio-economic factors on their interactions in affected areas is improved to enable better decision making. 3.4: Knowledge of interactions between climate change adaptation and restoration of degraded land in affected areas is improved to develop tools to assist decision- making. 110,000.00 3.5: Effective knowledge sharing systems, including traditional knowledge, are in place at global, regional, sub-regional and national levels to support policy makers and end users, in identification and sharing of best practices and success stories 965,000.00 3.6: Science and technology networks and institutions relevant to desertification/ land degradation are engaged to support UNCCD implementation 30,000.00 Subtotal 1,105,000.00 OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 4: CAPACITY-BUILDING To identify and address capacity-building needs to prevent and reverse desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought 4.1: Countries which have carried out NCSA implement the resulting action plans to develop the necessary capacity at the individual institutional and systemic levels to tackle desertification/land degradation and drought issues at the national and local levels. UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 49 OUTCOME BUDGET OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE 5: FINANCING AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER To mobilize and improve the targeting and coordination of national, bilateral and multilateral financial and technological resources in order to increase their impact and effectiveness 5.1: Affected country Parties develop integrated investment frameworks for leveraging national, bilateral and multilateral resources with a view to increasing the effectiveness and impact of interventions 3,865,000.00 5.2: Developed country Parties provide substantial, adequate, timely and predictable financial resources to support domestic initiatives to reverse and prevent desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought. 45,000.00 5.3: Parties increase their efforts to mobilize financial resources from international financial institutions, facilities and funds, including the GEF, by promoting the UNCCD/Sustainable Land Management (SLM) agenda within the governing bodies of these institutions. 60,000.00 5.4: Innovative sources of finance mechanisms are identified to combat desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought, including from the private sector, market-based mechanisms, trade, foundations and CSOs, and other financing mechanisms for climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use and for hunger and poverty reduction. 477,000.00 5.5: Access to technology by affected country parties is facilitated through adequate financing, effective economic and policy incentives and technical support, notably within the framework of South-South and North-South cooperation. 500,000.00 Subtotal 4,947,000.00 Grand Total 10,106,033.00 50 APPENDIX 3: BIOPHYSICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE INFORMATION. Lesotho is vulnerable to impacts of extreme weather conditions like heavy rains, floods, drought, heat stress, hail storms, snow, strong winds and early and late frosts (Lesotho NSDP, 2013/13- 2016/17). In Lesotho desertification is a major problem, more especially in the southern part of the country and the Senqu Valley where the agricultural land, rangelands, aquatic plants are seriously threatened. The situation manifests itself to loss of biological productivity resulting from over-exploitation and mismanagement of the natural resource base, be it water, soil, land, plants or animals. Many special and fragile ecosystems such as bogs, sponges as well as their associated species have been threatened by over-utilisation and trampling of livestock (National Environment Secretariat, 2004) 7 . These environmental changes have impacted on natural and physical infrastructure base, slowdown of economic growth and threaten achievements in social development. Therefore, the Government of Lesotho and Cooperative partners have dedicated enormous efforts in combating DLDD. Table 3 below indicates biophysical and socio-economic baseline data. Table 2 Biophysical and socio-economic baseline data for Lesotho INDICATORS MEASURES REMARKS VEGETATION COVER a. Arable Land i. Area planted for all crops 173,759 ha 2012/13 (BOS Lesotho 8 ) ii. Fallow land 137,439 ha 2011/12 (BOS Lesotho) iii. Area under irrigation 1,189 ha 2012/13 (BOS Lesotho) b. Forest Cover i. Indigenous 32,356 ha Baseline year – 2014 7 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, 3 rd National Report, Kingdom of Lesotho, Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture, National Environment Secretariat (NES), September 2004. 8 Bureau of Statistics, Statistical Report No. 10: 2014. 2013 Biodiversity, Land Use and Cover. Kingdom of Lesotho UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 51 INDICATORS MEASURES REMARKS (Department of Forestry) ii. Exotics 17,122 ha Baseline year – 2014 (Department of Forestry) c. Rangelands i. Range Management Associations 327,895 ha 2003/04 – 2012/13 (MFLR, Range Department). ii. Village Grazing Societies 9,868 ha iii. Wetland Protected Fenced: 11,274 ha; Restored : 2,247 ha; and RAMSAR Site: 434 ha Range Monitoring Report, 2011-2012. RAMSAR Site is at Letšeng - La –Letsie Wetland iv. Carrying Capacity 1.5 ha/LU Palmer, 2013 (Review of ongoing national monitoring processes and methodologies for each of the UNCCD indicators) i. Brush Control 7127.9 ha 2003/04 – 2012/13 (MFLR, Range Department) Invasive species removed and reseeding of exposed areas with appropriate grass seed. ii. Reseeding of rangelands 27,537.9 ha SOIL DEGRADATION a. Wind Erosion Not Significant in Lesotho b. Water Erosion i. Soil loss 4.5 million tonnes per year Distributed as follows: 4, 13 and 107 t/km 2 /yr. for the Senqu, Makhaleng and 52 INDICATORS MEASURES REMARKS Mohokare respectively (Makara, 2013 9 ) c. Salinization 4,656 km 2 Baseline year- 2010 (Environment and Energy Statistics Report, 2012) d. Gullied area 4,931.26 ha Berea District) 2013 (MFLR GIS Section, Study On-going; study expected to cover the whole country) e. Catchment area rehabilitated 405,954 ha (MFLR GIS Section) Rehabilitation works have been implemented in 1,020 catchments countrywide during the 2003/04–2012/13 period. i. Diversion furrows 209.74 ha: Area of land protected with 419.47km of diversion furrows ii. Stonelines 4,197.84 ha Rangeland protected and rehabilitated by 4,197.84km of stonelines iii. Silt traps 555,644.25 m 3 (Volume of materials used) Amount of soil trapped was not measured. The focus was on the economic implications of construction of structures iv. Reseeding of marginal lands 926.15 ha 9 Makara, M. 2013. Assessment of Spatial and temporal soil loss in and out of Lesotho using RUSLE Model and GIS. MSc. Thesis, University of Zimbabwe, Harare. UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 53 INDICATORS MEASURES REMARKS WATER RESOURCES: a. Surface Water Availability Surface water sources e.g. rivers 34,286 km 2 AQUA STAT-FAO,30 th January, 2015 at 10:59 i. Renewable water resources 5.23km 3 per year AQUA STAT-FAO,30 th January, 2015 at 10:59 ii. Harnessed irrigation water (dam & tanks) 47,909 m 3 Baseline year – 2014 (Department of Soil & Water Conservation) iii. Ground Water Quality TDS for bore hole water averages 260 mg/l and for springs 112 mg/l Groundwater Consultants Bee Pee (Pty) Ltd, SRK Consulting (Pty) Ltd, 2002. Compilation of the hydrogeological map atlas for the SADC region: Situation Analysis Report Annex D - Lesotho c. Ground Water Availability 122 springs , 89 boreholes Groundwater Consultants Bee Pee (Pty) Ltd, SRK Consulting (Pty) Ltd, 2002. Compilation of the hydrogeological map atlas for the SADC region: Situation Analysis Report Annex D - Lesotho CLIMATE a. Mean Annual Rainfall 865 mm 2000-2010 (Environment and Energy Statistics Report, 2012) b. Annual Temperature Minimum: 8.0 °C Maximum: 22.0 °C 2002-2010 (Environment and Energy Statistics Report, 2012) c. Evaporation Highlands: 1,400mm Lowlands: 1,600mm http://www.lesmet.org.ls/cim atology/climate-lesotho, 02/02/2015 http://www.lesmet.org.ls/cimatology/climate-lesotho http://www.lesmet.org.ls/cimatology/climate-lesotho 54 INDICATORS MEASURES REMARKS ECONOMIC a. GDP growth rate 4.6% National Accounts of Lesotho 2003-2012 b. GNI per capita at constant prices M7614 Farm yields i. Milk Production 21,068,169 litres 2012/13 (Lesotho Livestock Products 2012/13, BOS Lesotho) i. Wool Production 3,598,170 kg ii. Mohair Production 472,151 kg iii. Egg Production 1,949,714 eggs iv. Meat Production 690,869 kg v. Maize Production 0.82 Mt/ha 2012/13 (Agricultural Production Survey, Crops, BOS Lesotho) vi. Sorghum Production 0.89 Mt/ha vii. Wheat Production 1.27 Mt/ ha viii. Beans Production 0.28 Mt/ha ix. Peas Production 0.71 Mt/ha SOCIAL a. Population 1,894, 194 people(De Jure) 2011 Lesotho Demographic Survey (BOS 2013) b. Poverty: life expectancy at birth 41.84 c. Total fertility rate 3.4 d. Vulnerability: susceptibility of livelihoods to drought 447,760 people LESOTHO: Vulnerability Assessment Committee Results 2014 (LVAC) e. Food poverty line M138.9 2011 Lesotho Demographic Survey (BOS 2013) f. Poverty line M246.9 g. Infant mortality rate 94 per 1000 per year UNCCD LESOTHO NAP 2015 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND LAND RECLAMATION 55 INDICATORS MEASURES REMARKS h. Child mortality rate 43 per 1000 per year i. Maternal mortality 1143 per 1000 per year j. Literacy 87.4% k. Unemployment 25.3% 56 APPENDIX 4: List of Stakeholders 1. Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (Director of Livestock, Director of Crops and Irrigation, Director of Research, Lesotho Agricultural College) 2. Ministry of Water Affairs, Energy and Meteorological Services (Department of Water affairs) 3. Ministry of Ministry of Water Affairs, Energy and Meteorological Services (Department of Meteorology) 4. Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture (Department of Environment) 5. Ministry of Foreign Affairs & international Relations (Directorate of Economic Affairs & International Organizations) 6. Lesotho Highland Development Authority (LHDA) 7. Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) 8. Rural Self-Help Development Association (RSDA) 9. Serumula Development Association (SDA) 10. Ministry of Finance 11. Ministry of Development Planning (NSDP) 12. Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship (Department of Land Use Planning and Chieftainship) 13. National University of Lesotho (Department of Soil Science , Faculty of Agriculture and Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science and Technology) 14. World Vision 15. Transformation Resource Centre 16. Geographical Environment Movement 17. Lesotho College of Education 18. Tikoloho ea lehae la rona (Coordinated by UNESCO) 19. FAO 20. UNDP 21. WFP 22. Sustainable Land Management Project 23. CARE Lesotho