01 Feb 2015

Botswana Gourds Association (BGA) has embarked on a mission to educate residents of Kgatleng East about the importance of water conservation, which is a key commodity of sustainable biodiversity.

Speaking during the workshop in Mmathubudukwane recently, the project facilitator, Mr Ephraim Rapalai said Botswana continued to face the problems of lack of water and water pollution, which contributed towards biodiversity destruction.

He said their association has set up a project aimed at preparing people of Marico/Limpopo river communities in Kgatleng East to support and participate in water conservation activities against destruction of biodiversity in their areas.Mr Rapalai said, “The destruction of biodiversity as well as water pollution is mainly caused by untreated domestic sewage, uncontrolled industrial discharges and poor agricultural practices and deforestation mainly due to human actions.”

He said the association’s goals include having a vigorous implementation for environmental conservation and socioeconomic development. They also aimed at establishing a number of artistic and diverse sustainable grassroots groups for environmental consciousness and development. Mr Rapalai noted that the goals could be achieved through education and promotion of public awareness using art for public advertising as a tool.

He stated that the workshop theme, “murals against the destruction of water resources, public participation in the management of water bodies” would solidify their education campaign to reach as many Batswana as possible through the use of art. 

Furthermore, he said it was important to take care of the river which continues to sustain residents residing along it. Mr Rapalai said they have partnered with the departments of water affairs and environmental health and waste management because they have the skills and expertise on water and environment conservation which would help many Batswana understand their importance.

He stressed the need for the river to remain clean so that it continues to sustain livelihoods. “I am worried that no one is monitoring the use of the river to guard against pollution as people use it with little care of the outcome of their actions,” said Mr Rapalai.As an artist, Mr Rapalai said he would work with others to use art to send strong messages and create dialogue to make people aware. 

He stressed the importance of biodiversity on tourism, adding that tourism brings revenue to the country.Mr Rapalai cited financial challenges as some of the bottlenecks facing the newly formed association. He said through the help of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) they managed to organise the workshop. Participants were drawn from Mabalane, Sikwane, Malolwane, Ramonaka, Mmathubudukwane and Oliphant’s Drift.

ENDS...