11 Jun 2013

Debswana Diamond Company in partnership with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) at the ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism hosted a World Environmental Day (WED) dialogue themed “Think, Eat,  Save-reduce your footprint” at the Debswana Corporate Centre on June 7.

The theme “Think, Eat, Save- Reduce your footprint” is an anti-food waste and food loss campaign that encourages Batswana to reduce their footprint by making conscious decisions at home and in the food industry.

Speaking at the dialogue, Debswana Managing Director Mr Jim Gowans said “together with the office of the President, the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, DEA as well as leaders of within the food industry sector, have committed to support future activities to address the issue”.

Setting out the objectives of the discussions from DEA official Ms Dolina Molepa said the whole idea was to identify gaps at the end of the food chain process that are contributing to food waste, starting from the production sector through to the food retail, consumer and governance sectors.

Secondly, she said the discussions were also meant to identify measures needed to be taken by the industry to improve efficiencies and alternatives uses of food as well as to develop high level resolutions on opportunities that exist in local dimensions.

Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Mr Jimmy Opelo as well as leaders in the food industry including but not limited to, Retail Group, Peermount Hotels, Woolworths, Nandos Botswana, Choppies, the University of Botswana, Yarona Country Lodge, Pie City, Dross Restaurant, Falcon Crest Suites as well as consultants and non-governmental organisations committed to the intent to reduce the food wastage in Botswana.

They agreed that to reduce food wastage, there should be an input of material resources such as water and other nutrient because when food is wasted, the inputs are lost.

The discussions also learnt that globally, food production occupies 25 per cent of all habitable land and is responsible for 70 per cent of fresh water consumption, 80 per cent deforestation and 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.

The dialogue provided a platform to discuss how to achieve sustainable consumption through streaming lining food for more beneficial use whilst meeting required food safety standards.

World Environmental Day is commemorated internationally on June 5 every year and is set aside to bring awareness to various environmental issues and provide an opportunity for people to make a difference.ENDS