05 Nov 2025

Botswana will soon become a full party to the Maputo Convention.

Addressing delegates at the 2025 Africa Biodiversity Summit in Tlokweng on Tuesday, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi thus urged other African states to do the same.

He said the convention should not remain a symbolic document but must translate into tangible action.

He further said collaboration among governments, civil society, the private sector and local communities was essential for achieving the objectives of the Maputo Convention. 

“As we discuss these critical issues, I urge us all to remember that collaboration is key. We must hold ourselves accountable to the promises we make to future generations,” the minister said. 

Mr Mmolotsi further commended technical experts for developing draft administrative and regulatory documents to strengthen the implementation of the convention. 

He stressed that the frameworks adopted should empower local communities, support livelihoods and be flexible enough to respond to ecological diversity across Africa.

He added that effective administrative structures would be crucial in coordinating cross-border conservation, aligning national policies with regional commitments and ensuring the efficient use of resources. 

At the same time, the minister said the regulated frameworks that would be designed must be adaptive, responsive and inclusive to regulate free movement.

The frameworks, he said should not only reflect the realities of Africa’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems, but also be informed by the knowledge and experiences of the local communities who depended on the resources. 

Meanwhile, African Union Commission Commissioner for Rural Development, Sustainable Development and the Blue Economy, Mr Moses Vilakati, said the summit came at a defining moment for Africa’s environmental future.

He noted that the continent, though rich in biodiversity, was also on the frontline of climate change impacts, habitat loss and species decline.

Mr Vilakati underscored that biodiversity was not just an environmental issue, but the foundation of Africa’s economies, food systems, cultures and public health.

“We must move beyond declarations to decisive action. Let this summit be remembered not only for speeches, but for the bold commitments it inspires,” he said. 

He called for stronger policy frameworks, investment in nature-based solutions and greater involvement of youth and indigenous communities in conservation leadership. 

He encouraged member states to work towards positioning Africa as a global leader in sustainable biodiversity management.

Mr Vilakati expressed gratitude to President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, Minister Mmolotsi and national institutions for hosting and supporting the summit. ENDS