The project aimed to mitigate the severe impacts of the pandemic on conservation areas and community-based tourism initiatives
within the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) in the Kingdom of Eswatini, a complex system of conservation
areas between Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini, covering a total area of 10,029 km². The once-thriving eco-tourism industry, a lifeline for local communities, faced a devastating collapse as international travel halted. The Shewula Mountain Camp and Mhlumeni Bush Camp—community-run areas—suddenly saw their doors close, jobs vanish, and livelihoods thrown into disarray.
The Lubombo TFCA Response to Covid-19 project stepped in with a clear mission: to help communities not only survive but thrive. It wasn’t just about protecting the biodiversity of the globally significant Maputaland Centre of Endemism; it was about protecting the people who had nurtured and relied on it for generations.

The project introduced innovative solutions in seven communities. Mushroom farming sprouted as a new, sustainable livelihood,
offering both nourishment and income. A community forest reserve was fenced, ensuring a long-term sanctuary for wildlife, while bush clearing initiatives provided much-needed jobs. These efforts not only curbed the damaging rise in poaching and illegal farming but also helped communities with income generating activities. For the conservation areas themselves, vital resources were deployed. Rangers, equipped with new uniforms, personal protective equipment (PPE), and communication tools, increased their patrols to safeguard the land. A dedicated vehicle was purchased to strengthen field operations, ensuring the entire TFCA could
be monitored and protected more effectively.

For the eco-tourism sector, which had taken such a hard hit, stipends helped keep staff at community lodges employed, maintaining these establishments afloat while they prepared to welcome guests once more. Marketing strategies were developed to reignite interest in local tourism, promising a brighter future for the region. Through it all, the Lubombo TFCA Response to Covid-19 project carried a message of resilience and unity. By creating alternative livelihoods, supporting conservation efforts, and preparing eco-tourism for its return, this initiative is helping to rebuild stronger, ensuring that both people and nature in this
beautiful region can thrive once again.

Project Outputs:

• One Toyota GD6, double cab vehicle was purchased
• Thirty (30) local communities employed as tourism staff; received salaries for the duration of the project
• Construction of ablution block in the Mambane Community campsite
• Upgrade and maintenance of radio network in two ENTC parks (Malolotja & Mlawula) by upgrading communication radios (patrol equipment) from analog to digital frequency.
• Supply of 8 portable radios (4 Malolotja & 4 Mlawula) plus 2 base station radios (1 Malolotja & 1 Mlawula).
• Upgrading of repeater stations to digital frequency
• 57 individuals from ten TFCA communities were taken through a Human-Wildlife-Conflict workshop.
• 36 youth from 10 TFCA communities of Eswatini were taken through a 3-day Youth-Wildlife-Camp
• 8 km of fencing in the Jilobi Community to manage livestock movement and improve protection of the community forest
• Construction of two mushroom production houses and procurement of equipment completed
• Bush clearing covering 11 ha at Malolotja public tourism establishment (camping ground)
• Completed campground preparation, maintenance of hiking trail and construction of ablution block at Malolotja campsite
• 32 sets of ranger PPE were purchased - trouser, shirt, jersey, belt, cap, boots and jacket
• Procurement of camping equipment – 6 sleeping bags, 6 camping tents and 70 mattresses