25 Aug 2026

Botswana, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and conservation non-profit African Parks, has officially launched a 30-month project aimed at revitalising the Kalahari Transfrontier Park (KTP).

Speaking during the project launch at Kaa Gate on Thursday, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the country’s National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan to diversify the economy through sustainable tourism development.

Minister Mmolotsi noted that phase one of the project would focus on developing a comprehensive tourism development plan, community development plan, park management plan and critical infrastructure within and around the park.

“Already, actual progress is being made regarding firebreaks. The airstrip has been rehabilitated, and works are ongoing on the fence and fixing of park vehicles,” Mr Mmolotsi said.

He commended African Parks for implementing the EU-funded project on behalf of the ministry.

The minister emphasised that while the primary goal was to boost tourism revenue and socio-economic benefits for neighbouring communities, this must be balanced with maintaining ecosystem integrity.

He added that the implementation would be done in close collaboration with South African co-managers to ensure transboundary conservation success.

For her part, EU Ambassador to Botswana and SADC, Ms Petra Pereyra, explained that the initiative fell under the EU’s Global Gateway NaturAfrica programme.

She outlined three core pillars, namely, strengthening the conservation and management of protected areas, creating green economy opportunities for local communities and improving transboundary governance.

“Conservation that does not benefit communities is conservation that will not last,” Ambassador Pereyra noted.

She reiterated that the project sought to restore operational integrity, management capacity and surveillance while ensuring community initiatives were evidence-based and locally relevant.

African Parks Chief Operating Officer, Mr Charles Wells, expressed confidence in the ongoing collaboration, noting that the project represented a shared commitment to building trust, supporting national priorities and enhancing biodiversity.

Mr Wells reiterated the importance of long-term collaborative partnerships between governments, conservation organisations and local communities.

He noted that African Parks came into Botswana with humility and respect for the nation’s established global reputation in conservation leadership.

The 30-month initiative, which commenced in March 2026, brings together key stakeholders including the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), South African National Parks (SANParks), IUCN, SADC Secretariat and local community representatives. ends