10 Feb 2019

Suspension on the issuing of environmental research, filming and photography permits has been lifted with immediate effect.

A press release from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism says the lifting of the suspension is in recognition of the need for decision making informed by research and scientific information and the need for Botswana to seize opportunities in the filming sector to empower citizens, create employment and generate revenue.

The release further informs all researchers, film-makers, photographers and relevant stakeholders that the issuance of such permits was suspended in January 2017.

The suspension, as per the release, was meant to enable the review of guidelines for improved service and to address concerns such as the limited involvement of Batswana youth and gross misconduct of some researchers.

To that end, it says new guidelines for research and filming have been developed through a consultative process and are in use. ENDS