21 Nov 2019

Government is working round the clock to ensure that the country’s natural resource endowment does not only boost the economy but creates jobs and lifts Batswana out of poverty.

“The work that has been done with rural communities, private entities and schools is impressive. 

It shows that a lot of achievement has been made towards promoting projects that maintain, restore and ensure sustainable utilisation of forests in Botswana,” says Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism acting permanent secretary, Dr Oduetse Koboto.

Speaking at Forest Conservation Botswana (FCB) annual general meeting on November 20, Dr Koboto expressed happiness that the organisation had over the past 10 years been able to drive its mandate.

Dr Koboto said the 2018/19 annual report was a clear indication of FCB’s impact in Botswana.

He informed his audience that the strategic environmental assessment for Chobe Forest Reserves had been completed with plans expected to be ready by March 2020.

Dr Koboto explained that the ensuing projects would be a major achievement towards the development of ecotourism in Botswana.

In addition, he said, it would lead to job creation.

“The community celebrations that were held in Lokgwabe and Mapoka recently were meant to showcase successes that Batswana have attained through the Tropical Forest Fund. It was also rewarding to see communities demanding more support,” he said.

He assured the meeting that government would continue to support such projects.

For his part, FCB chief executive officer, Mr Joshua Moloi said 46 forest conservation projects were funded during the 2018/19 financial year while a P95m obligation was fully paid by the Botswana and US governments.

“FCB did not only fund projects, but also initiated establishment of orchards in schools to support and increase capacity and skills development by providing an enabling learning environment to students,” he said.

He said the aim was to cultivate a culture of caring about the environment, particularly conservation and forest resources management. Ends