Lesotho is strengthening its approach to biodiversity governance through targeted capacity building aimed at advancing Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) systems across the country. The initiative focuses on ensuring that the country’s rich biological resources generate fair and equitable benefits for both people and nature. This week, a two-day training session led by the Chief Technical Consultant for the ABS Project brings together key national and district-level stakeholders to strengthen their technical and operational understanding of the ABS agenda. Participants include members of the Project Management Unit, the National Focal Point, District Coordinators, District Environment Officers and Park Managers, all of whom play a direct role in implementing environmental and conservation policies. The training reflects Lesotho’s growing commitment to sustainable development through structured governance of genetic resources.
The core objective of the training is to equip participants with practical knowledge and tools needed to implement ABS systems effectively. Access and Benefit Sharing is a global framework that ensures benefits arising from the use of genetic resources are shared fairly with the countries and communities that provide them. In Lesotho’s context, this framework is closely linked to biodiversity conservation, innovation and the development of a sustainable bioeconomy. The training places strong emphasis on strengthening institutional coordination and improving implementation capacity at both national and district levels. By building technical expertise, the programme aims to close gaps that may hinder effective management of biodiversity resources.
A key focus of the training is the exploration of the Nagoya Protocol and its relevance to Lesotho’s environmental and economic priorities. Participants are examining how the protocol supports national sovereignty over genetic resources while promoting international cooperation in research and development. The discussions also highlight the importance of Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT), which form the legal and procedural foundation of ABS agreements. These mechanisms ensure that communities and national authorities are fully informed and actively involved in decisions regarding the use of biological resources. Strengthening understanding of these processes is essential for ensuring transparency, accountability and fairness in biodiversity-related activities.
The training also delves into national ABS systems, including institutional roles and regulatory frameworks that guide implementation. Participants are reviewing how different government departments, environmental agencies and local authorities collaborate to manage genetic resources effectively. This includes understanding how permits are issued, how research activities are monitored and how benefits are documented and distributed. Practical applications of ABS are also being explored, particularly in relation to bioprospecting and value chain development. These discussions include consideration of a planned national genetic resources laboratory, which is expected to enhance research capacity and support scientific innovation within the country.
Project management is another important component of the training, with participants gaining skills in planning, monitoring and reporting to ensure effective implementation of ABS activities. These tools are designed to improve coordination across institutions and strengthen accountability in project delivery. Cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, monitoring and evaluation, and knowledge management are also being integrated into the training programme. This approach ensures that ABS implementation is inclusive, data-driven and aligned with broader national development goals. Strengthening these areas helps create a more resilient system capable of adapting to emerging challenges in biodiversity governance.
By the end of the training, participants are expected to develop an operational roadmap that will guide ABS implementation over the next six months. This roadmap will outline priority actions, quick wins and clearly defined institutional responsibilities to support efficient execution of the project. It will also serve as a reference point for tracking progress and ensuring that all stakeholders remain aligned in their efforts. The development of this roadmap marks an important step toward translating policy into action at both national and local levels. It reflects a structured approach to building momentum and ensuring measurable outcomes.
Lesotho’s investment in capacity building for Access and Benefit Sharing demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting biodiversity while promoting sustainable development. By strengthening the skills of key stakeholders and improving institutional coordination, the country is laying the foundation for a more effective and equitable system of resource management. The ABS framework not only supports environmental conservation but also creates opportunities for innovation, research and economic development rooted in natural resources. As implementation continues, these efforts will help ensure that the benefits derived from Lesotho’s biodiversity are shared fairly and contribute to long-term national prosperity.
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