01 Sep 2025

The recent passing of the Bill on Forest and Range Resources strengthens Botswana’s capacity to meet international commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and United Nations Convention on combating desertification.

This was said by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Mr Boatametse Modukanele officially opening the ninth National Wildland Fire Management Conference in Malotwana recently. Mr Modukanele said the legislation equipped Botswana with the legal framework to manage fires more effectively, conserve biodiversity and harness new financing opportunities from ecosystem services.

He said it was important for the conference to discuss ways in which Batswana could also benefit from a relatively new initiative of carbon trading. He said carbon trading was a step in the right direction towards sustainable land and fire management.

He said since 2018, Botswana had collaborated with International Savanna Fire Management Initiative (ISFMI), where there was an opportunity to tap into the carbon trading initiative. “Through international collaboration, we now have an opportunity to take this further by measuring the resulting emissions reductions, certify them, and converting them into tradable carbon credits. Such credits can be sold on global markets, attracting investment from governments and corporations committed to climate change,” he said.

Mr Modukanele further said the workshop served as a platform to explore emerging technologies and develop strategies for more integrated and resilient fire management. He said the platform also empowered communities and stakeholders to discuss ways to manage fires for them to ultimately benefit from carbon trading.

Mr Modukanele further added that the conference was also an important platform for regional and international solidarity on cross border fires, climate risks and biodiversity challenges demanding collaboration, knowledge exchange and mutual support. “By working together as government, communities, private sector, researchers, and partners, we can safeguard our savannas and unlock their potential as a global climate asset,” said Mr Modukanele.

Director of Forestry and Range Resources (DFRR), Ms Baitshepi Hill said combating fires should be everyones’ responsibility. Ms Hill cautioned that the occurrences of wildland fires in Botswana was common during the season between May to November, and that the peak season was August to October, but that due to climate change, it was bound to be extended beyond those months.  

She also warned that 2025 was a high risk year for veld fires due to high fuel load. Ms Hill urged farm owners to construct firebreaks around perimeter fence of their properties. Ms Hill also said DFRR has purchased firefighting equipment and protective equipment, but said was not enough for all fire prone districts. The workshop was held under the theme: Saving the Savanna, Fire Management Towards Carbon Trading. ENDS