FAO.org

The overall objective of this project is to contribute to the Protection and Preservation of the socialecological
systems within the Maloti-Drakensberg located in the transboundary region between South
Africa and Lesotho. This can be achieved by enhancing the growth of an African-based ‘community of
practice’ (CoP) of high excellence to identify and develop solutions at the local level. Simultaneously this
community will inform global research theory, practice and contribute to policy and governance from an
African perspective. Improving decision-making processes for water and land management within
transboundary Lesotho-South Africa river basins of the Maloti-Drakensberg will foster the mitigation of
existing and arising upstream-downstream water conflicts, to counteract landscape degradation and to
adapt to future climate and socio-economic impacts on the water-energy- food-ecosystems (WEFE) nexus.

Planned activities and deliverables:

1. Organisation of a consultative stakeholder workshop as a crucial element to foster the
communication and exchange between scientific partners, autochthonous structures in southern
Africa and relevant international entities, and to strengthening and expanding positive
relationships at all scales across the Maloti-Drakensberg;
2. Development of a model to promote Sustainable Development Goals through traditional
authorities (e.g. AmaZulu, Bakoena, Batlokoa and Basotho Royal Houses in the Maloti-
Drakensberg) to encourage sustainable mountain development from a traditional authority
vantage point;
3. Distinct capacity building and capacity development measures by all partners involved in order
to contribute to the growth of an African-based research ‘community of practice’ (CoP) of high
excellence that informs global research theory, practice, and contributes to policy and
governance from an African perspective;
4. Development of a science-based video-trailer transporting key messages regarding the
importance of protecting and preserving the uniqueness of the Maloti-Drakensberg Mountains,
presentation of project results at national and international conferences, including the COPs of
UNFCCC, UNCCD and UNDRR.