30 Mar 2016

Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Mr Tshekedi Khama says the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) has seconded some of the wildlife officers for the day to day management of the secretariat office.

When answering a question in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Khama said the department had also allocated the Association of Environmental Clubs Botswana (AECB) office space. 

He said the office served as the headquarters of AECB, which services the whole country in terms of coordinating the activities of the AECB with the support of DWNP Community Support and Outreach Division regional officers.

He noted that the office housed the assets and property of the Association and that the DWNP office provides transport and also pays for accommodation and food for members undertaking AECB activities.

Minister Khama highlighted that for the current financial year, only 21 schools have affiliated to AECB and most of the clubs have gone dormant due to lack of coordination and participation by coordinators in AECB activities.

He also stated that the committee which is responsible for running AECB comprises teachers and that there is a challenge when it comes to mobilizing them to plan and execute AECB activities.

At the beginning of every financial year, each region is given a share of funds allocated under AECB vote under DWNP.

Minister Khama was answering to question from the Member of Parliament for Okavango Mr Bagalatia Arone who had asked him to apprise the House on the status of Wildlife Clubs in Botswana schools and how he supports them. ENDS