Building on the momentum generated by the launch of the Orange-Senqu #SourceToMouth transboundary campaign in September 2023, the European Union Delegation to Lesotho continues to partner with several organisations in the country to foster environmental education and action.

This time, under the #EUBeachCleanup campaign, the Delegation is actively engaging 1335 primary school students from the Morija Primary, Matsieng Primary, and St Louis Primary Schools in Morija and Matsieng in the Maseru district, along with the American International School of Lesotho.

The goal is to promote sustainable environmental stewardship through advocacy, education, and hands-on engagement. This initiative, coinciding with the Mountain Kingdom's 200^th – anniversary celebrations, underscores the EU's commitment to empower young people and instilling a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age.

In a collaborative effort, for the Morija clean-up campaign the EU is proud to partner with ReNOKA, Pheha Plastics, The Hub, Geography and Environmental Movement (GEM), and the Mantsopa Rotary Club. By coming together under the banner of #SourceToMouth, these organisations are setting a positive example for sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.

Underscoring the power of community engagement and collective action in addressing environmental issues, the goal of the Morija cleanup campaign is ambitious yet achievable – to collect 2 tonnes of litter from the local environment.

The #SourceToMouth campaign encompasses a wide range of targeted activities including river clean-up activities, community and school outreach programmes.

One standout feature for the 2024 edition is an innovative interactive board game designed by the ReNOKA movement to educate and inspire students about sustainable land and water management practices.

The local company Pheha Plastics will play a crucial role in ensuring that any recyclable waste collected during the cleanup is processed responsibly. Additionally, all non-recyclable waste will be disposed of in an environmentally conscious manner, underscoring the commitment of all partners involved in the #SourceToMouth campaign.

"The EU, as the primary contributor in Lesotho's water sector channels substantial investments to the conservation of water and to secure sustainable access to clean water to the people of Lesotho. Through this campaign, we aim to raise awareness about plastic pollution and in general littering, engaging students in activities in their classroom and along the rivers. It is no coincidence that our clean-up efforts converge in Morija, as it is an active community where several initiatives targeting the youth and the protection of the environment are converging. Morija is also the home of the 2024 EU Ambassador for a Day winner and mentee, Motšelisi Mohapeloa, who joined us today. The event today builds upon the successful clean-up of the Mohokare River, a tributary of the Orange-Senqu River, which took place at Ha Thetsane Lesia. This initiative brought together key partners including ReNOKA, the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM), the Lesotho Government, Lesotho Lowlands Water Development Project Phase II and III, volunteers, and 200 students from four schools in Maseru and Berea in September 2023,” said Ambassador Paola Amadei, EU Head of Delegation to Lesotho.

Recent Afrobarometer survey highlights the urgent need for water conservation efforts in Lesotho. 2020 to 2022 findings reveal that 57% of Basotho feel that contaminated water sources are a major concern and 75% feel plastic bags are the biggest polluters in their communities.

 "These findings underscore the imperative for immediate and comprehensive action to address water conservation and fight pollution, in line with the EU's commitment to promoting sustainable practices and safeguarding water resources for present and future generations. Water is Lesotho’s white gold and most precious – and increasingly scarce – global collective good. It's a precondition for life on Earth, a resource renewable through the water cycle. It is an ecosystem and the engine of our planet, key for human health, food, and energy," said Ambassador Amadei.

A considerable portion of Basotho struggle to access clean and sustainable water sources, highlighting a critical need for interventions. In response, the EU  under its 'Metsi a Lesotho' water sector programmes aims to empower communities  by ensuring sustainable access to water and sanitation in both rural and urban areas. Additionally, these initiatives seek to catalyse economic growth, enhance resilience, and promote peace and security in Lesotho by leveraging its water-energy resources. Moreover, existing efforts through the ReNOKA programme are already underway, focusing on the conservation of land and water resources so that the demand side of the water cycle is equally taken care of.

The Morija clean-up campaign stands as a testament to the transformative power of youth-led environmental action and underscores the EU's unwavering commitment to nurturing a sustainable future for Lesotho and beyond.