In a bold new initiative that blends culture, commerce, and conservation, ReNOKA, Lesotho’s national movement for integrated catchment management, has partnered with iconic blanket manufacturer Aranda to fund climate-resilient landscape restoration across the country.
Launched recently, the ReNOKA-Aranda Partnership introduces a line of ReNOKA-branded blankets, with 10 percent of all sales revenue dedicated to restoring degraded catchments and supporting local livelihoods.
The collaboration marks a pioneering model of sustainable financing through private sector engagement, aimed at safeguarding Lesotho’s fragile water and land systems, the so-called “water tower” of Southern Africa.
“This blanket means more than warmth, it means hope for communities,” said Palo Mokoailane, Aranda Ambassador, at the launch. “The making of this blanket was one of the best because we know that the proceeds are going back to the communities. Every purchase is a step toward restoration.”
Mario Varrenti, Head of Cooperation at the European Union (EU) in Lesotho, praised the partnership for its practical impact and symbolic value. “Kopano ke matla, the stronger, the better,” Varrenti said. “Very soon, people will buy ReNOKA blankets and know that 10 percent of the purchase supports real, on-the-ground climate action.”
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko highlighted the cultural power of the Basotho blanket and its new role as a tool for environmental change.
“In Basotho culture, the blanket is more than attire, it is a symbol of pride, heritage, and belonging,” Moleko said. “Today, we harness that cultural power to carry a new message, one of environmental responsibility and care.”
Moleko reiterated ReNOKA’s mission as a national response to land degradation, water insecurity, and climate change, urging more businesses to support the initiative. “With ReNOKA, we are building a more resilient Basotho,” he said.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
