01 Nov 2016

The Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama says it is time Africa takes control of its natural resources, or faces the biggest ever challenge of deficit in as far as natural resources are concerned.

Speaking at a three-day State of Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TCA) Symposium at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on Monday, Mr Khama said it is heart-breaking to note that Africans are being used to exploit their irreplaceable natural resources for the interest of people who do not even live in the continent.

He said all these are perpetuated through greed, poaching and corruption.

The Minister said in this light, it is time that Africa starts taking control of its future and destiny in as far as natural resources conservation is concerned.

“We might be hamstrung by resources, but there are still genuine friends out there who are willing to assist us. All they need is us to be credible in our request for assistance and sincere in what we do,” he said.

Mr Khama also informed KAZA members countries that Botswana is willing to share with them lessons learnt in preservation and conservation of natural resources.

“In Botswana we had to take tough decisions in as far as conservation is concerned  such as the banning of hunting, ignoring the quota from CITES on elephants as well as adopting a lone voice in the interest of preserving our wildlife and natural heritage, and we are proud to say that all these are working for us,” he said.

Mr Khama implored the KAZA member countries to use the symposium, which marked 10-years of the existence of the transfrontier conservation organisation, as the beginning of a natural resources heritage meant for the benefit of future generations.

“As the current generation, we have no right to exploit the natural resources and leave nothing for future generations,” he said.

Mr Khama also said that for conservation efforts to bear fruits, Africa needs commitment from its leaders who should be willing to support the course.

“In Botswana we are lucky to have a Head of State who is very passionate about wildlife and natural resources conservation,” he said. ENDS