15 Dec 2024

Botswana’s unique wildlife and environment provides a natural competitive advantage and play an important role in the country’s economic diversification  efforts, the  Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi has said.

Officiating at the Botswana Guides Association (BOGA) annual general meeting held under  the theme; Tourism Sustainability Mindset, in Maun on Thursday, he said the tourism  sector had a strong potential and was increasingly perceived as an engine for economic  growth and diversification.  

According to the Tourism Satellite Account Report of 2019, the contribution of  Tourism to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated at 5.1 per cent and the jobs  were estimated at 58 420.   

“As the government we have prioritised this sector to diversify the economy of our beloved  country as well as generate the much-needed jobs for Batswana. Therefore, as BOGA and all  stakeholders, let us all join efforts to build a new chapter in our beautiful country,” he added. 

 Mr Mmolotsi informed the gathering that as part of the ministry’s strategic direction, they  aimed to increase the contribution of conservation to local economies and the improvement of community livelihoods by deriving value from the natural resources with sustainable utilisation of wildlife resources being the cornerstone. 

He said Botswana boast iconic natural wonders such as the Okavango Delta, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, home to the longest annual terrestrial animal migration, citing thezebra migration from Namibia’s Zambezi region through Chobe floodplains. 

He said the country also prides itself with the Tsodilo Hills, a site of ancient human habitation and spiritual significance, also a UNESCO World Her System, a stunning geological wonder in the Kalahari. Lastly, he said Botswana is home to the World’s largest population of savannah elephants in the world.  

Also the minister said that the mentioned areas were not just places of beauty, but sources of national pride and a heritage that he said must be protected for future generations.

However, Mr Mmolotsi further noted that safeguarding the resources would not be possible without a collective endeavour by all players, adding that over the years, they had learned that effective conservation was not a solitary effort, but rather a symphony of collaboration between policy makers, national governments, communities, non-governmental organisations and each individual who appreciates the beauty of the wilderness.  

“Safeguarding the resources demands strong partnerships with stakeholders such as BOGA, your financial strength, market-driven mindset, global networks position, your knowledge of natural resources in your areas put you as a powerful ally in conservation," he said.

Together, he said they could protect Botswana’s priceless ecosystems and secure a sustainable future for generations to come. 

He, however appreciated BOGA’s contribution to the vision of developing the tourism sector and the protection of the natural  heritage.  Since the association was establishment in 1999, he said it had been a steadfast advocate for the inclusion of locals in the tourism industry as well as dedicated to ensuring that locals claimed their stake in the tourism sector.  

BOGA has immensely contributed to the maintenance of the Third Bridge at Moremi Game Reserve and other bridges in the Chobe National Park.

“This is a commendable effort and together we will ensure Botswana claims its rightful place in the global arena of being the best safari destination now and in the years to come,” stressed minister Mmolotsi.

 As a way of promoting local citizen empowerment, the gathering learnt that government had allocated a total of 64 campsites to BOGA members, 30 of which are in the Chobe National Park including six which are situated along the popular Chobe riverfront. Additionally, other 23 campsites are in the Moremi Game Reserve including five situated within the Chiefs Island.

Furthermore, there are seven campsites in the Central Kalahari  Game Reserve and four in Nxai Pan. Besides the permanent campsites, government allocates temporary campsites to BOGA as and when they request. ENDS