05 Jun 2016

Deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Felix Monggae has applauded organisations such as Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS) for taking their mandate to heart.

Speaking at a donation of 500 books titled Field Guide to Plants of Northern Botswana including the Okavango Delta by Alison and Roger Heath (2010) to 10 organisations and institutions of learning, he said such an activity was a noble gesture that other organisations have to model.

He said the books valued at P97 500 contained contents about Botswana and offered an opportunity for one to learn more about the country at the same time echoing the slogan of Brand Botswan; Our pride, your destination.

He noted that it was imperative for all to know and understand the environment they lived in and that it was exactly what the book was all about.He said while the book told a lot about indigenous plants of Northern Botswana, it also helped the society to understand plants that were not indigenous to Northern Botswana.

“For those who are interested in traditional medicine the book goes further to share information on the medicinal uses of many plants of Northern Botswana,” he said.He said donating 500 books was commendable and that these books would go a long way in imparting knowledge to the whole community and the world at large.

Monggae urged the beneficiary of 'these invaluable books' to take good care of them and ensure that they were put to good use at the same time preserving them for future generation.“It is said that the value of a book goes beyond the beauty of its cover, it is weighed by the knowledge and impact it has on the reader,” he said.

Monggae noted that the books were intended to impart knowledge on the readers and leave an indelible mark on them. KCS CEO Leonard Dikobe noted that the book was first published in 2004 and printed in 2010.

He said the recipients of the books were Department of Basic Education, Teacher, Training and Development, Curriculum Development and Evaluation, Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Okavango research Institute, University of Botswana, Department of Environmental affairs, Botswana Wildlife Training Institute, and other institutions. ENDS