The Eswatini National Trust Commission and the Institute of Development Management (IDM) have entered into a formal partnership aimed at strengthening sustainable development, conservation and skills development across the Kingdom.

The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding this on Tuesday. The agreement sets out a framework for collaboration in areas ranging from corporate training and research to youth empowerment, environmental education and eco-tourism.

Officiating the ceremony was ENTC’s Chief Finance Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mduduzi Ndzinisa.

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He welcomed the IDM delegation and said the partnership comes at a time when institutions must work together to build capacity and deliver on national development priorities.

Ndzinisa noted that ENTC, as the custodian of Eswatini’s natural and cultural heritage, cannot achieve its mandate in isolation and that working with an academic institution like IDM will help strengthen technical skills, research output and public awareness.

He added that the agreement reflects a shared responsibility to ensure that conservation efforts translate into tangible benefits for communities and the economy.

Under the MoU, ENTC and IDM will collaborate on eight key areas. These include institutional capacity development and corporate training for staff in both organisations.

The partnership will also support collaborative research and innovation, with a focus on issues affecting conservation, tourism and sustainable development.

Curriculum development is another pillar.

The two bodies will work to align academic programs with industry and conservation needs, ensuring graduates are equipped with relevant skills.

Resource sharing between ENTC’s sites and IDM’s academic platforms will also be prioritized to improve access to data, facilities and expertise.

A strong emphasis has been placed on young people. The MoU provides for youth empowerment through internships and experiential learning opportunities at ENTC reserves and heritage sites.

Officials said this will give students practical exposure while helping ENTC build a pipeline of future conservationists and tourism professionals.

Environmental education and public awareness campaigns are also included.

The goal is to increase understanding of biodiversity, climate change and sustainable resource use among schools, communities and the general public.

Finally, the partnership targets eco-tourism and MICE development Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions.

Both institutions said there is potential to position ENTC-managed areas not only as conservation sites but as venues that attract regional events and visitors, thereby contributing to the economy.

Speaking on the broader significance, Ndzinisa said the agreement reaffirms a commitment to building resilient institutions and empowering future leaders.

He stated that by combining ENTC’s mandate in conservation with IDM’s strength in training and research, Eswatini can advance environmental stewardship while creating opportunities for employment and innovation.

He further expressed optimism that the collaboration will help place the Kingdom as a regional leader in sustainable tourism and knowledge exchange.

IDM Acting Director Baipidi Karabo at the signing echoed the sentiments, saying the institute is keen to contribute its academic expertise to national priorities.

Karabo noted that partnerships with technical institutions like ENTC ensure that classroom learning is grounded in real-world challenges.