20 May 2018

Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, through the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) will to celebrate International Biodiversity day on May 22 in Ghanzi.

Addressing members of the media on recently, DEA deputy director, Mr Botshabelo Othusitse said the day was aimed at informing communities about the importance of conserving natural resources.

Mr Othusitse pointed out that balancing natural resources was key in allowing every natural resource to survive to the fullest.

He said Botswana had so far accessed more than P300 million from environmental conservation trusts in a quest to finance environmental conservation projects.

He said Ghanzi was chosen because the area had people who survive on natural resources.

Meanwhile, DEA chief natural resource officer, Mr Khulekani Mpofu said natural resources were a source of livelihood and development, adding that trees had medicinal value while animals offered food and some other materials such as hides for clothing.

He said conservation of natural resources also allowed for better tourism, which added a lot of value to the economy.

Mr Mpofu said the aim of the event was for Botswana to celebrate the achievement of biodiversity for the past 25 years.

During the commemoration, he said the department would showcase achievements such as Community Based Natural Resource Management programme aimed at encouraging communities to partake in conservation of natural resources to get benefits.

Mr Mpofu added that conserving what one benefits not only improves livelihoods, but also grows the economy.

The event themed: Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity, would see students debating on biodiversity issues in a quest to make them more knowledgeable on natural resources.

The day was a result of the United Nations declaring May 22 the International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. ENDS