24 Jul 2025

 Community trusts affiliated with the Ngamiland Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (NCONGO) have expressed concerns over the upcoming Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) Bill, 2025. 

 The trusts fear that the legislation could undermine years of progress achieved through community-led conservation initiatives across Botswana. An official submission, representing the views of 49 community trusts, NCONGO highlighted the need for amendments to the Bill before it proceeds to Parliament. 

The community-based organisations (CBOs) argue that certain clauses may reverse gains made in sustainable natural resource management and community participation. Among the trusts key recommendations include, the establishment and enhancement of the proposed CBNRM department to include functions aimed at maximising household income. They stressed that economic benefits derived from natural resources should directly benefit local communities, promoting sustainable livelihoods.

The submission also emphasised the importance of developing Botswana’s wildlife economy, advocating for strategies that generate employment and contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and tax revenue. Additionally, they called for the integration of natural resource management into Botswana’s wider economic planning, with clear standards for participatory governance to ensure transparency and community empowerment.

Furthermore, the trusts urged the inclusion of mechanisms that support community quota setting, advocating for community participation in decisions related to hunting quotas. A structured mechanism, they said, should be in place to guarantee community involvement in quota setting and ensuring the process is democratic and inclusive.

On registration of CBOs, the community said the registration process for CBOs should be clear, especially regarding re-registration after a CBO has been deregistered. Furthermore, detailed guidelines, they said were needed for re-registering CBOs after deregistration to prevent loss of access to sustainable benefits that would ensure continuity and stability in community efforts.

With regard to funds and property of CBOs, the community emphasised the importance of autonomy in managing and utilising funds derived from natural resources. They believed that they should have the sole authority to decide how these funds are used without interference from the government.

Also, they argued that their primary goal was to use the resources to improve their household economies and address issues like high living costs, especially in areas surrounding wildlife. They said that they see those funds as a means to support their immediate needs and well-being rather than solely aligning with government-driven development agendas.

Another area to be amended is the financial provision as Article 29 section 5, stated that a CBO shall with the guidance of the Technical Advisory Committee, open a holding bank account for depository and holding of all investment monies and assets of the CBO, and the District Commissioner shall be designated as the principal signatory to the account.

The community commented that they believed the existing punitive measures and controls in the bill are sufficient, and thus, CBOs should manage their funds independently without requiring the District Commissioner as a principal signatory. Thus, they suggested a push for reduced bureaucratic involvement to allow for more direct and efficient access to resources.

NCONGO and 49 community trusts called on MPs, civil society organisations and communities to support the amendments that reflected the community’s desire for a Bill that empowers,  respects local governance structures and enhanced ability to manage and benefit from natural resources effectively. ENDS