06 Aug 2013

Since the signing of the Kavango Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), the five countries involved in the treaty have made various contributions towards the project, the Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Mr Tshekedi Khama told Parliament on Monday.

Responding to a Parliamentary question, Minister Khama stated that the five countries, Botswana, Angola, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe had already contributed land amounting to 444 000 square kilometres. He explained that the countries had also made monetary contributions with Botswana availing P395 395, Namibia P427 394 and Zambia P197 430.

He said Angola and Zimbabwe had not yet contributed anything in monetary terms. Minister Khama also said the supporting donors had contributed a total of 3 418 million Euros while a total contribution of 20 430 Euros from the German Development Bank had been divided between the countries forming the treaty.

The minister further said the distribution of funds had been done fairly in Botswana. “To show commitment to biodiversity conservation, my ministry has just finalised the integrated development plan, a tool that provides the management framework and outlines priority projects to be implemented in the country,” said the minister.

Nata/Gweta MP, Mr Rayner Makosha had asked how much has been contributed by each member state, donors, the total budget and how it was shared by member states.  ENDS