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<\/p>\nBy Nomonde Mafu<\/p>\n
Eswatini has announced the main focus areas for its new Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Research (C3SR), which aims to address the country\u2019s biggest climate challenges.<\/p>\n
The Centre, a product of collaboration between the University of Eswatini and the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, is being hailed as a critical step in bridging the gap between scientific research and policy action.<\/p>\n
Coordinator of the Centre, Dr Wisdom Dlamini, said the thematic areas were drawn from national priorities, global commitments such as the Paris Agreement, and extensive stakeholder consultation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are filling a long-standing gap in Eswatini\u2019s climate governance by creating a central hub for locally relevant research,\u201d he explained.
The six areas cut across environmental science, social justice, and economic resilience.<\/p>\n
The first theme focuses on Understanding Climate Change and the Environment, with work underway to quantify greenhouse gas emissions and model future environmental scenarios.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to know Eswatini\u2019s exact contribution to the global carbon stock and anticipate the impacts of climate variability,\u201d Dlamini noted.<\/p>\n
The second theme looks at Human Impact on Ecosystems and Society, where researchers will examine land use changes and waste disposal. Dlamini warned that unchecked urbanisation and industrial waste could undermine biodiversity and public health.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow we manage land and waste today will determine the health of our biodiversity and communities tomorrow,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The third theme tackles Climate Justice and Environmental Governance, highlighting the need for fair laws and policies that protect vulnerable populations.<\/p>\n
\u201cJustice is at the heart of climate action. We must ensure that the voices of the vulnerable are not sidelined,\u201d Dlamini emphasised.<\/p>\n
The fourth theme focuses on the Effects of Climate Change on Economic Sectors, with agriculture, energy, water, transport, urban infrastructure, and health all under review.<\/p>\n
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\u201cClimate change is not an environmental issue alone; it is an economic development issue. From farming to healthcare, every sector is feeling the impact,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Under the fifth theme, Climate Resilience and Adaptation, the Centre will promote green infrastructure, explore resilient livelihoods, and research the social and psychological consequences of climate-induced displacement. Dlamini said resilience must be understood holistically.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is not just about infrastructure, it is also about resilient people and communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sixth theme, Sustainable Economics and Finance, aims to align national investment with environmental sustainability. \u201cFor Eswatini to thrive, our investments must align with sustainability principles. We cannot afford to grow at the expense of our environment,\u201d Dlamini explained.<\/p>\n
Beyond its research, the C3SR will provide postgraduate training and short courses while actively engaging policymakers, think tanks, and civil society.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur mission is to produce credible science that not only advances academic knowledge but also informs policy and community action,\u201d Dlamini said.<\/p>\n
A climate change research centre such as the C3SR plays a vital role in strengthening preparedness by collecting data, developing local expertise, and ensuring policy decisions are rooted in evidence.<\/p>\n
The Centre is a direct output of the Building Capacity to Advance the National Adaptation Plan Process in Eswatini Project, which aims to enhance the country\u2019s long-term resilience.<\/p>\n
Dr Dlamini also called for stronger government and international backing to ensure the Centre\u2019s sustainability.<\/p>\n
He pointed out that international partnerships, including one with the University of York, are already in motion, but more funding is needed from mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the Centre to thrive, we require high-level political and institutional buy-in. Climate research is not a luxury; it is a necessity for survival and development,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
As Eswatini faces increasingly severe droughts, floods, and storms, the C3SR is being positioned as the nation\u2019s nerve centre for climate science and policy innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe challenges before us are immense, but so are the opportunities,\u201d Dlamini concluded.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy working together, we can drive a climate-resilient future for Eswatini.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Nomonde Mafu Eswatini has announced the main focus areas for its new Centre for Climate Change and…","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3209,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_location_hash":"","csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47,31,25],"tags":[46,73,48,49,58],"class_list":["post-3202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-africa","category-health","category-national","tag-africa","tag-eswatini","tag-feature","tag-human-interest","tag-national","cs-entry","cs-video-wrap"],"yoast_head":"\n