The general Natural Sciences Program of UNESCO focuses on 2 major sectoral objectives which are:

• Science, Environment and Sustainable Development which aims at promoting a better understanding of natural and social systems as a scientific basis
• Promoting capacity-building in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

UNESCO's Natural Science Programme addresses sustainable development and sustainability issues are at the centre of the international debate as the current patterns of human activity are fundamentally altering earth's systems, testing the biophysical limits.

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Lesotho:

Mats'eng Biosphere Reserve (MBR) is Lesotho's first reserve to be listed in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO.

MBR is located in the northern highlands of Lesotho and as a mountain reserve, offers a wealth of unique ecosystem functions and services including freshwater, biodiversity and forest products. MBR includes important species habitats, some of which are threatened, as well as cultural landscapes that contain socio-cultural and natural heritage of exceptional value.

MBR comprises two Protected Areas (PAs), Bokong Nature Reserve (BNR) (one of Africa's highest Protected area) and Tsehlanyane National Park (TNP) as its Core Areas. There is also a Buffer Zone, which includes a corridor that connects the BNR and TNP as well as provides access for species to move through. The corridor also presents a potential for ecotourism activities to take place.

Lastly there is the Transition Area that is the Reserve's outermost zone. It is in the transition where sociocultural and sustainable economic development can be adopted to benefit the local communities.

The reserve also has the potential benefits such as assisting in the conservation endeavors of Lesotho's remarkable biodiversity. This also includes conservation of natural as well as cultural heritage through effective management and implementation of sustainable development options for the benefit of present and future generations.

Functions

• In site conservation of natural and semi-natural ecosystems and landscapes
• Demonstration areas for ecologically and socio-culturally sustainable use
• Logical support for research, monitoring, education, training and information exchange

Vision

To become a well-protected Biosphere Reserve with its unique intertwined and symbiotic relationships between humans and nature. A place where the stewardship of ecosystems and culture is supported and promoted, where people use natural resources wisely and sustainable livelihoods are created while maintaining the ecological integrity of the area, for present and future generations.

Main themes of activities

• Research, monitoring and evaluation within theBiosphere Reserve Integrated Monitoring Programme.
• Building capacity through education, technical training and public awareness.
• Exploring innovative ecological theory and practice. For example: relationships between culture and ecology, quality economies, urban ecology, etc.

Community benefits

The Mats'eng Biosphere Reserve can be used as a framework to guide and reinforce projects to enhance community livelihoods, while also ensuring environmental sustainability.

MBR aims at raising awareness among local communities and government authorities on the Importance of addressing environmental and developmental issues in unison, not separately.

At national level, MBR presents as a learning place to explore and demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable development; thus providing lessons which can be applied elsewhere.

UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program:

UNESCO endeavours to strengthen the role and potential of the UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves as pilot for research on mitigation and adaptation of climate change, green economies and as sites for collaboration with other similar initiatives. Biosphere Reserves (BRs) further serve to build scientific knowledge and identify best practices for natural resource use and ecosystem management, restoration and rehabilitation.

UNESCO BRs are model regions for sustainable development. They take into account the interests of environmental protection and social and economic development.

Biosphere reserves have three interrelated zones that aim to fulfil three complimentary and mutually reinforcing functions:

• The core area(s) which are strictly protected ecosystems that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation ;
• The buffer zone surrounds or adjoins the core areas, and is used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training and education.;
• The transition area is the part of the reserve where the greatest activity is allowed, fostering economic and human development that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable;

If you want to know more about biosphere reserves please visit: https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/wnbr

The general Natural Sciences Program of UNESCO focuses on 2 major sectoral objectives namely:

1.Strengthening science, technology and innovation systems and policies - nationally, regionally and globally:

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD or Rio+20) has confirmed the pivotal role that science, technology and innovation (STI) play in poverty eradication and sustainable development in all its dimensions - economic, social and environmental. All the technological innovation and engendering solutions needed to address challenges such as green growth and employment; environmental degradation and restoration, climate change adaptation, diseases, natural disasters and energy needs are underpinned by the sciences.

UNESCO has an explicit mandate in the sciences, to support Member State’s efforts to reform and upgrade national STI systems and governance.

UNESCO is committed to among others provide technical support to help bridge the gap between STI knowledge and policy and to catalyse member states’ investment in STI. A specific focus will be put on the development of national, regional and grass roots innovation capacities to spur green transformations, encourage creativity and enhance opportunities for youth led applied innovation and employability of youth.

• In Lesotho, UNESCO assisted in the development of the National STI Policy for 2006 – 2011.;
• UNESCO also supported Lesotho to carry out a baseline study on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the year 2012 in preparation to the development of national policy on IKS;
• UNESCO has also supported and will continue its support in building the country’s capacity to monitor and evaluate its performance through STI statistics and indicators.

If you would like to find out more about the state of implementation of MAB and the subregional workshop in Lesotho;

2. Promoting international scientific cooperation on critical challenges to sustainable development:

UNESCO’s Natural Science Programme addresses sustainable development and sustainability issues are at the centre of the international debate as the current patterns of human activity are fundamentally altering Earth’s systems, testing the biophysical limits.

Critical issues being addressed include water security, the ocean, atmosphere and climate and terrestrial systems and biodiversity.

3. Water Security

Freshwater remains a critical element of security, sustainability, inclusion and peace. Its vital importance continues to increase due to among others population growth, urbanisation and climate change. UNESCO is committed to assisting member states in strengthening the governance and management of the world’s limited freshwater resources within the framework of the strategy “Water Security: Responses to Local, Regional and Global Challenges (2014 – 2021).

In October, 2016, Lesotho was one of the SADC countries that was invited to the UNESCO-SADC Special Session on Water to review the proposed SADC Regional Integrated Water Resources Initiative (SADC-WIN) for building long term resilience to water-food-energy security.

For more information read the to article published on the blog!