Matsapha – The Eswatini National Trust Commission is convening a two-day project implementation planning meeting for the Mbuluzi Ecosystems Restoration Project with partners at Esibayeni Lodge.
ENTC is implementing the project, commonly known as MERP, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility through the United Nations Environment Programme. The meeting brings together key stakeholders involved in restoring ecosystems along the Mbuluzi catchment.
The workshop was officially opened by ENTC Chief Executive Officer Mr Thulani Methula, who thanked partners for their continued support and strong participation in the implementation of MERP.
During his address, Mr Methula spoke on the importance of community participation, noting that communities should go beyond being beneficiaries and take part as decision makers while also safeguarding project outcomes after the project comes to an end.
The meeting is taking place as the project prepares for its mid term review, with partners expected to consider an ambitious work plan and budget for the coming year.
Among the objectives of the meeting are to provide a structured platform for partners to review progress, reflect on lessons learned and agree on clear and coordinated priorities for the 2026 implementation year. The meeting also seeks to strengthen coordination through a shared understanding of priorities, sequencing and expectations for 2026.
Participants are reviewing 2025 performance by assessing achievements, challenges and implementation bottlenecks. Revised planning assumptions are also being integrated through the drafting of the 2026 work plan, procurement plans and budgets for Project Steering Committee endorsement.
Another focus area is preparing for accountability and reporting milestones by aligning partners on reporting requirements, timelines and expectations ahead of audits and evaluations.
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