27 Feb 2014

District conservation committee members have been urged to ensure that the conservation legislation is enforced without fear or favour.

Officiating at the orientation workshop for members, the deputy chairperson of the Agricultural Resource Board, Mr John Benn challenged them to examine the way they had been doing things because as committees and public officers, they should not shy away from addressing some issues just because important public figures are involved.

He said their mandate is clearly defined in the act, hence a need for them to act accordingly. He acknowledged the important role played by members in natural resource conservation for the benefit of future generations.

Mr Benn reminded committee members that the conservation concept is not new as our forefathers practiced it and used the resources wisely and sustainably.

He said Botswana is currently faced with serious and complex ecosystems problems, natural resources are subjected to severe pressure from excessive exploitation, cutting of live trees for fuel, overgrazing and frequent wild land fires.

Mr Benn noted that the situation poses a serious threat to the biological diversity and to other benefits which could be derived from the forest in the long run. In addition, he said the situation affects the quality of life for the people particularly those in the rural areas.

“It is therefore, important that these resources are sustainably managed to meet the social, economic, ecological and cultural needs for present and future generations”, he added.

He observed that veldt fires continue to cause havoc yearly and also threaten life, plants and properties and eventually contribute significantly to the desertification process.

Mr Benn challenged the gathering to follow in the steps of their forefathers and ensure the natural resources are used sustainably for the benefit of the communities.

He said it is imperative that they come up with better management practices or strategies in order to ensure their objective bears fruit in as far as conservation is concerned. He said they should also embark on public education to sensitise the communities and other stakeholders about the importance of conservation.

For his part, the board chairman of Ngamiland, Mr Ditlhapi Atsowe said their district is rich in natural resources and it is for this reason that it is attracting tourists from all over the world as it has different wildlife species, good vegetation and the delta.

He said as volunteers they play an important role in conservation but mentioned some of the challenges which hinder them to produce expected results.

He said transport is the main obstacle adding that at time they blame officers for not taking the committee serious yet they experience the same challenge.

He said they are planning to conduct 20 kgotla meetings, but shortage of transport frustrates them and hampers the execution of their mandate. Mr Atsowe said some of the vehicles from department of Forestry and Range Resources have been at Central Transport Organization for some years.

Another challenge, he mentioned, is illegal harvesting of fencing poles (mepako) in the district. He said due to the unavailability of market for their cattle, the communities have resorted to illegally harvest poles to make ends meet.

“Shortage of manpower at the department is a challenge and it is difficult to re-inforce the law and monitor hence our efforts are bearing no positive fruits”, he added.

He also complained about the inconsistent appointment of personnel of the secretariat and requested the relevant authorities to look into the matter. ENDS