By 
By Siphesihle Dlamini
The Government of Eswatini, through the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, has announced that applications are now open for a significant E2 million grant aimed at supporting environmental protection projects.
This initiative is intended to empower emaSwati to actively participate in safeguarding their natural resources while fostering innovative approaches to environmental challenges.
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, announced an event at the Mbabane West Inkhundla Centre, emphasizing the importance of this funding, which is designated for the 2024/25 financial year.
“This presents a wonderful opportunity for our citizens to contribute to environmental sustainability,” she remarked.
Applications for the grants will be accepted until October 29, 2024. Interested individuals can access application forms online or visit their nearest Tinkhundla centres for assistance.
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The Minister clarified the nature of the funding, stating, “I want to stress that the E2 million is a grant, not a loan. This means the funds provided do not need to be repaid.”
The E2 million is part of the Eswatini Environment Fund, which was established under the Environment Management Act of 2002.
This fund is crucial in promoting environmental sustainability at the community level in Eswatini. Governed by a Board of Trustees, the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) has been tasked with providing administrative services to the Fund, ensuring that resource allocation is both transparent and effective.
“The Eswatini Environment Fund has played a vital role in supporting innovative environmental solutions. Over the past year, we approved 15 project grants totalling approximately E2 million,” Minister Mkhonta-Simelane noted, reflecting on the Fund’s positive impact in the previous financial year.
The Minister’s remarks underscore the government’s dedication to nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship across the nation, empowering communities to implement various solutions to local environmental issues.
She also encouraged the public to actively apply for these grants. “As a Ministry, we urge the public to take advantage of these grants. This is money that does not need to be repaid,” she reiterated.
The Minister expressed her appreciation for the Eswatini Environment Fund’s ongoing support of community-driven environmental initiatives.
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“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Eswatini Environment Fund for their continued funding of environmental projects. Environmental management is a responsibility given to us by God, as stated in the book of Genesis,” she stated.
In addition to encouraging applications, the Minister praised the Eswatini Environment Authority for their work in managing the Fund. “I commend the efforts of the Eswatini Environment Authority in ensuring that all communities have access to financial support for their environmental initiatives,” she concluded.
