Qacha’s Nek, Oct. 23 — On the rocky slopes of Sehlabathebe National Park (SNP), a tiny fish fights for survival.
The critically endangered Maloti Minnow (thoboshoane) now exists only upstream of Tsoelikana Waterfall, its habitat having shrunk by over 95 percent in the last century.
Ms. Mantopi Lebofa, Founder and Director of Technologies for Economic Development (TED), has launched a bold initiative to save this species.
On Thursday, she presented the Restoring Lesotho Endemic Fish—Demonstrating Potential for Lesotho’s Blue Economy in Mountain Communities (RoLEF-DePoLeBEMoC) project to Qacha’sNek Head of Departments, urging them to take ownership in protecting the fish.
Supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, the project, running until July, aims to prevent the extinction of the Maloti Minnow.
“Trout were brought in for tourism, and if they spread above the waterfall, the Maloti Minnow could disappear completely,” Lebofa warned.
She stressed that resources alone are not enough, calling on local stakeholders to safeguard the species. She said pairing elders with youth to pass down knowledge about the fish is a key strategy for long-term conservation.
Officials at the meeting expressed strong support. Ts’epo Sechoala, LEC Officer in Qacha’s Nek, said, “It gives us hope that our unique species will be protected and teaches us how to safeguard it for the future of Basotho. We really appreciate this.”
District Administrator Habofanoe Pheku emphasized that all ministries have a role to play, noting that collaboration is essential for the project’s success.
Founded in 2004, TED is a Non-Governmental Organisation promoting environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable development. Its mission is to integrate solutions into local socio-economic contexts to ensure long-term adoption by Basotho communities.
The RoLEF-DePoLeBEMoC project is more than a conservation effort, it is a shared responsibility. By uniting government departments, local communities, and youth with elders’ wisdom, Lesotho can give the Maloti Minnow a fighting chance and preserve a vital part of its natural heritage.
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