24 Mar 2022

Government wants to see communities benefitting from natural resources in their areas through creation of value chains. To that end it has put in place supportive legislation and programmes, says environment, natural resources conservation and tourism minister Ms Philda Kereng.
She was speaking to Takatokwane residents during the commemoration of the International Day of Forests on Wednesday.
She noted that Takatokwane and surrounding areas were endowed with a diversity of natural resources such as sengaparile, mahupu, morama, moretlwa and thatching grass, which should be preserved and protected.
“Preservation of these natural resources remains paramount to avoid a threat of depletion due to overuse,” she said.
Ms Kereng said forests contributed to sustainable development and welfare of people, especially rural communities.
Her ministry was as such working to position sustainable management of natural resources as an attractive, viable income generating opportunity through creation of value chains.
“My ministry intends to roll out the charcoal project which started in the communities around Lake Ngami so that communities in Kweneng district can benefit from the income-generating project,” she said.
She further said the theme for this year: Forests and Sustainable Production and Consumption, called for creation of supportive legislation and programmes.
She observed the UN development goal (SDG 12) on sustainable production and consumption of natural resources was of particular relevance to the theme, as it addressed the supply and consumption of forest products.
Ms Kereng, said tree planting therefore, remained crucial in the restoration of forests lost to overuse, and encouraged everyone to commit to planting trees.
Earlier In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Visco Tsiane of Takatokwane expressed gratitude over planting of 80 trees in his village. He noted some trees had medicinal value and planting them would save them from extinction.
Kgosi Tsiane implored the community to create livelihoods out of natural resources in a sustainable manner.
Also present at the event was Member of Parliament for Takatokwane Mr Friction Leuwe, who urged residents to protect trees and plant more.ENDS