25 May 2025

It is upon the government and the community to drive the integration of biodiversity conservation in land use and spatial planning, specifically focusing on UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 11), says the executive director of Ngamiland Council of Non-Government Organisations (NCONGO), Mr Siyoka Simasiku. 

SDG 11 aims to make cities and human settlement inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable to achieve a balance between economic growth and social equity, among others. Mr Simasiku, who was officiating at the national commemoration of the International Day of Biodiversity in Maun on Thursday, emphasised inclusivity, stating that protecting biodiversity required shared responsibility and action at all levels. 

He appreciated that the commemoration was held in Maun, a village that embodies the intricate balance between development, farming activities and environmental conservation. 

He said Maun, like many growing settlements in Botswana, maintained a strong cultural and spiritual connection to the land, nature and biodiversity that support the livelihoods and well-being of its people. 

However, Mr Simasiku pointed out that the village was currently facing rapid changes due to urbanisation and population growth, the changes which coupled with land-use transformation were putting increasing pressure on the surrounding ecosystems and biodiversity. 

“This has led to challenges including improper waste disposal, illegal mining of earth materials (gravel and pit sand), flooding, pollution, rehabilitated burrow pits, excessive veld products harvesting and the impacts of climate change,” he said noting that the issues were often worsened by limited capacity and inadequate waste management facilities. 

He noted that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was currently undertaking a nationalwide stakeholder consultation on the revision of the Botswana’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, a plan which had been carried out since 2016 and had done a lot to protect biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of natural resources. 

However, Mr Simasiku said a lot still needed to be done, adding that one way of achieving the aspirations under biodiversity conservation and wise use of natural resources was through inclusivity. 

“As local leadership, we reaffirm our support for these efforts and we understand the importance of integrating biodiversity into local planning and decision-making, therefore we remain committed to working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders,” Mr Simasiku said. 

He emphasised the need to fully implement the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Protocols; to invest in nature-based solutions; to raise awareness, especially among the youth as well as to integrate biodiversity into every policy, business model, and decision that shapes collective future. 

In his welcome remarks, North West Deputy District Commissioner, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe emphasised the importance of conserving biodiversity in a sustainable manner. 

He appreciated that the event was held Maun considering the fact that it was a district rich in natural resources and biodiversity that encompasses dry and wet lands. 

Outlining the objectives of the day, acting director DEP, Ms Ingrid Chite stated that the event aimed to provide an opportunity to foster wide support for the implementation of the convention, its protocols and related action frameworks as well as to educate the public about the significance of biodiversity and the threats it faced. 

She said it also aimed to encourage action that protected biodiversity and its habitats including preservation of species and the maintenance of healthy ecosystem as well as to celebrate the richness and diversity of life on earth, from smallest organism to entire ecosystem. ENDS