The mountain communities are among the most disadvantaged of the world, while at the same time playing an important role in the sustainable development of our planet. The mountain ecosystems and communities are impacted by the effects of climate change, while their traditional knowledge and biocultural heritage are critical for addressing climate change adaptation, mitigation and food security. Despite the importance of mountain peoples and environments, they are often overlooked in the national and international planning and negotiations processes and do not receive adequate support and resources to build resilience and ensure sustainable development.
It?s critical to support mountain communities in establishing long-lasting processes and policies that strengthen the resilience of mountain peoples and environments. In particular, High Level Political Forum (HLPF) presents an opportunity to raise awareness of the issues affecting mountain peoples and ecosystems. The theme of the HLPF this year is ?transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies?. It will be addressing 5 key SDG?s. These are: Goals 6 (water and sanitation), 7 (access to modern energy), 11 (safe cities and human settlements), 12 (sustainable production and consumption patterns), and Goal 15 (life on land).
Support for mountain communities in their efforts in environmental management and sustainable development is also a priority in respect to all Small Grants Program (SGP) strategic initiatives, particularly those related to climate change, biodiversity conservation, agroecology and social inclusion. SGP was a key actor in the world mountain forum and now sits on the Mountain Partnerships steering committee based at the FAO headquarters in Rome.
Therefore, in preparation for HLPF, SGP is launching CSO-Government Dialogues focusing on topics relevant to mountain communities in Lesotho.
OBJECTIVES
? To raise awareness among government representative and policy makers of the impact mountain ecosystems are having on mountain dependent peoples in Lesotho, and of the contributions these communities are making to proper management of mountain ecosystems in the realization of SDG?s related to food security, agriculture, climate change mitigation and adaptation;
? To ensure that the priorities and perspectives of mountain communities are embedded in the country?s HLPF discussion towards the SDG?s as well as later for post-HLPF implementation;
? To strengthen relationships and foster trust and understanding between Mountain Communities and their national government;