05 Sep 2018

Botswana is prudent in the utilisation and management of natural resources, Minister of Environment, Conservation, Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama has said.

Speaking at the eighth general assembly of Consortium of African Funds for the Environment (CAFÉ) in Kasane on Monday, Mr Khama said in contrast, some African countries had allowed themselves to be dispossessed of natural resources.

Minister Khama said he wondered why developed countries continued to fund African countries which he failed to manage natural resources prudently.

He reiterated the need for the protection of natural resources, calling for the political will to come up with policies which were in line with the needs of mother nature.

Competing against nature was a clear indication that mother earth would be destroyed, citing human activities such as killing rhinos for horns, which had led to the depletion of such natural resources., he said.

Mr Khama said it was problematic that there were still people who did not believe there was climate change.
Africa, he said,  needed to show the world that she was willing to do the right thing to protect nature.

Chobe District Council chairperson, Mr Paul Chabaesele said the district was committed to controlling veldt fires as a way of protecting natural resources.

The district, he said,  had partnered with the Swedish Municipal Council to deliver a strategy document on the mitigation of the Chobe River degradation and waste management issues.

Meanwhile, Chobe District commissioner, Mr Keabetswe Lesiela expressed worry about activities that ‘kill’ the Chobe River.

He explained that while tourism contributed to the country’s economy, the country prioritisesd the conservation of its environment.

The general assembly was hosted by Forest Conservation Botswana. Ends