16 Oct 2016

Chairperson of Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS), Mr Neo Moroka says Botswana has a great record of nature conservation initiatives that were undertaken since independence and as such this amiable trend should be sustained.
Speaking at the 2016 KCS gala dinner dance, which was attendant by among others President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama held at Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) on October 14, Mr Moroka said of the landmarks include the listing of some Botswana’s historic places as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.He said the move signifies their importance not only to Batswana, but also to the global community at large.
Mr Moroka however told guests that at independence in 1966, Botswana had just under 70 000 square km of land set aside as nature conservation or protected areas.“After 50 years, despite our growing population and mobility, Botswana prides herself of well over 280 000 square km of conservation areas today,” he said.    
“As we look over the next 50 years, it is important to note that there are huge challenges that face our natural environment. These include inter-alia, climate change, pollution, desertification, decline in biodiversity and water shortage,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Morale noted that in order to effectively address those challenges, there is a need for cooperative effort by all stakeholders; that include government, business community, civil society and international cooperating partners.        
 Mr Moroka told guests that the country should aim for sustainable and optimal use of its natural resources in order to transform Botswana’s economy and uplift livelihoods of the citizens.
Giving keynote address, renowned rangeland and grazing ecosystem ecologist with Okavango Research Institute, Dr Richard Fynn hailed Botswana for her commitment in the conservation of her flora and fauna, something which he said was done with dedication.
He further took the audience on a detailed explanation of the life of Botswana’s animals which have an entrenched migratory cross boundary route to neighbouring countries especially Namibia, which also have strong conservation measures.
He told the over 200 guests that Botswana’s animals which migrate to other countries do come back after sometime as they perfectly know where their home is, noting that this migration pattern is influenced by availability of food and change of seasons.  
Dr Fynn however, called on Batswana and the general populace to intensify animal conservation, noting that some animal species might reduce in numbers if their management is not taken into serious consideration, with the aim of preserving them for the future.ENDS