30 Jul 2025

Forest and Range Resources Bill, 2025 (Bill No. 12 of 2025) presented in Parliament seeks to modernise and harmonise environmental legislations.

Tabling the Bill Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi said the Bill aimed to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the sustainable management and conservation of the country’s forest and range resources.

Central to the Bill, he said, was the formal establishment of the Department of Forestry and Range Resources, which would serve as the principal authority overseeing the implementation of forestry and natural resource policies.

He pointed out that the Forest and Range Resources Bill merged three outdated Acts into a modern law to strengthen sustainable management of Botswana’s forest and range ecosystems, adding that it establishes a dedicated department, a Natural Resources Conservation Board, and Conservation Committees.

The minister said key provisions cover endangered plant protection, eco-tourism in forest reserves, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) compliant permits, and fire management, adding that the Bill promoted community empowerment and offers environmental and socio-economic incentives. 

Minister Mmolotsi emphasised that the Bill was designed to bring Botswana’s forest legislation in line with both domestic policy and international obligations.

He further said it aligned with global frameworks such as the United Nations (UN) Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the CITES of Wild Fauna and Flora.

“The Bill harmonises existing laws with international agreements to which Botswana is a party, ensuring better implementation and compliance,” he stated. 

Mr Mmolotsi highlighted that the establishment of the Department of Forestry and Range Resources created the need to review and consolidate three existing Acts into a single, cohesive piece of legislation.

He noted that the existing laws were found to be over-regulated, outdated, and lacking in public participation mechanisms. 

“The Acts in place were inadequate in promoting sustainable management and utilisation of forest resources,” he said, adding that they also fell short in facilitating community involvement in decision-making.

Citing the key provisions of the Bill, Mr Mmolotsi said, Part One addressed preliminary matters including the title, commencement, and interpretation of terms. Part Two, he said, sets the legal foundation for Botswana to fulfill obligations under international treaties.

He further said Part Three, provided for the formal establishment of the Department of Forestry and Range Resources and the creation of a Natural Resources Conservation Board, adding that the board would have advisory powers, provide guidance to district-level committees and promote improved resource use.

Furthermore, he said Part Four outlined provisions for forest and range management, as it included the declaration and management of forest areas, with specific reference to protected zones such as Kazuma, Zibuyu, Maikaelelo, Chobe, and Kasane areas covering approximately 428 000 hectares.

Part Six, Mr Mmolotsi said it introduced a permitting system for various activities, including controlled burning, harvesting and exportation of forest products, adding that permits might be issued under specified conditions and were intended for subsistence use, not commercial exploitation. Part Seven detailed offences and penalties, particularly those related to illegal harvesting and other violations of the law.

Mr Mmolotsi acknowledged that the current regulatory environment lacked sufficient mechanisms for community engagement and enforcement. 

Minister Mmolotsi said the Forest and Range Resources Bill, 2025 was positioned as a transformative piece of legislation that sought to modernise Botswana’s approach to forest conservation, ensuring ecological sustainability while aligning with international standards. ENDS