17/09/2026
Eswatini is home to a unique and diverse range of plant species, each with a place in our landscapes, culture and communities. While these species may be known scientifically by one name, they may also carry SiSwati names that reflect generations of knowledge about their uses, importance and relationship with the land.
The Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) is currently participating in the National Expert workshop on the Documentation, validation of Siswati names and preservation of indigenous knowledge for indigenous plant species listed under the Flora Protection Act, No. 5 of 2001. This workshop aligns with protocols such as Article 8(j) of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing and KUNMING - MONTREAL Global Biodiversity Framework.
This process brings together scientific expertise and knowledge held within communities to strengthen how protected plant species are identified, understood and communicated. It will also contribute to the proposed revision of the Flora Protection Act Schedules.
This work is also relevant to the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing, which recognises the importance of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources and provides for the involvement of knowledge holders. It also provides for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of such knowledge.
Documenting our SiSwati names and the knowledge associated with our plant species therefore contributes to recognising, preserving and strengthening the place of local knowledge within biodiversity governance.
For a country with such rich biodiversity, our plants should be known not only by their scientific names, but also through the language and knowledge of the communities who have known and used them for generations. 🇸🇿🌱
