19 Jun 2019

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, through the Department of Forestry and Range Resources, recently commemorated World Day to combat desertification under the theme: 25 years, Let’s grow the future together.

Speaking at the official opening of the 25^th anniversary of World Day to combat desertification in Gaborone, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Felix Monggae said land was one of the most precious resources for development and required commitment to be preserved.

Mr Monngae said desertification could be avoided by creating economic opportunities in dry lands, urban centers and areas outside dry lands. 

“Desertification can be avoided by turning to alternative livelihoods that do not depend on traditional land uses and less demanding on local land and natural resources yet provide sustainable income and such livelihoods are tourism-related activities,” he said.

For his part, University of Botswana Professor Julius Atlhopheng said sustainable development goals had been domesticated, and that the country had come up with six pillars which were leadership, coordination, ownership, data, research and institution.

He, however, said localisation must be added as one of the pillars as domesticating the pillars without localisation would leave some people behind. 

This year, the convention looked back on the implementation of the convention and celebrated the 25^th years of progress made by countries on sustainable land management. The end goal is to protect the land from over-use and drought so that it can continue to provide food, water and energy.

Although much has been done over the years in areas of recovery and restoration of degraded landscapes, much more still needs to be done . The growing threats of fires, heat waves, mass migrations and others are more evident. ENDS