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- African
Environmental Information Network (AEIN)
- Agenda 21
- Biodiversity Strategy And Action Plan (BSAP)
- Botswana Environmental Education Support
Fund (BEESF)
- Botswana Environment Outlook
- Chemical Information
Exchange Network (CIEN)
- Community Based
Natural Resources Management (CBNRM)
- Environmental Impact Assessment Act
- Environmental Keynote Paper
- Environmental Management Act
- Environmental Planning Programme
- Environmental Risk Assessment of CBPP in the
Ngamiland District
- Environmental Support Programme
(ESP)
- Makgakgadi Management Plan
- National
Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants
- Natural Resources Accounting
- Non
Governmental Organisation (NGO) Fund)
- Okavango
Delta Management Plan
- Okavango River Basin Commission (OKACOM)
- PADELIA
- School Environmental Policy
- Southern African Biodiversity Support
Programme (SABSP)
- State of the Environment (SOER)
- Wetland Policy and Strategy
Back up
_____________________________________________________________________
National
Projects
- Biodiversity Strategy And Action Plan (BSAP)
- Botswana Environmental Education Support
Fund (BEESF)
- Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM)
- Environmental Impact Assessment Act
- Environmental Keynote Paper
- Environmental Management Act
- Environmental Planning Programme
- Environmental Risk Assessment of CBPP in the
Ngamiland District
- Environmental
Support Programme
- Makgakgadi Management Plan
- Natural Resources Accounting
- Okavango Management
Plan
- Non
Government Organisational Fund (NG0) Fund
- State of the Environment (SOER)
- District State of the
Environment Framework
- Wetland Policy and Strategy
Back up
_____________________________________________________________________
- Okavango River
Basin Commission (OKACOM)
- School Environmental Policy
- Southern African Biodiversity Support
Programme (SABSP)
Back up
_____________________________________________________________________
- African
Environmental Information
Network (AEIN)
- Agenda 21
- Chemical
Information Exchange Network (CIEN)
- Environmental Support Programme
- National
Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants
- PADELIA
Back up
_____________________________________________________________________
African Environmental
Information Network (AEIN)
AEIN is an
initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) which aims at
building capacities of African countries to harness and enhance access to
information and knowledge that support the management of Africa’s
environmental Resources as assets for sustainable development.
{More
details at the UNEP site……….}
The benefits of AEIN amongst others are:
- Development of a National Environmental Information System
status reports and AEIN implementation strategies using
UNEP guidelines.
- Environment Information Management tools.
- Set of environmental indicators.
- Detailed report of lessons learnt both positive and negative.
- Development of a set of prototype products like national and
sub-regional environment outlook reports, Africa Environment Outlook,
AEO report (regional), etc.
Botswana has expressed interest to participate in the project by signing an
agreement with UNEP. Implementation
of AEIN activities started in May 2007 with a startup workshop which
gathered key environmental information producers and users.
The purpose
of the workshop was amongst others to introduce the AEIN project to
stakeholders, and further identify possible synergies between AEIN and
other environmental Information initiatives.
Proceedings
of the workshop can be obtained at:
The National
Focal Point
Department of
Environmental Affairs
Ministry of
Environment Wildlife and Tourism.
P/Bag 0068, Gaborone Botswana
Contact: Dollina
Malepa, 267 3902050, Fax 3902051, dmalepa@gov.bw
___________________________________________________________________
Agenda 21
Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of
action that was produced at the 1992 United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development, commonly known as the Earth Summit or Rio
Summit. The plan is to be taken globally, nationally and locally by
organizations of the United Nations, system, national governments and major
groups in every area in which human impacts on the environment. Progress on
implementation of Agenda 21 is monitored by the Commission on Sustainable
Development (CSD).
Review of the Earth
Summit was done in 1997 and in 2002 in Johannesburg, South
Africa, World Summit on Sustainable
Development (WSSD).
The plan has now
become a working document of many countries.
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For
more information contact: The
Director, Department of Environmental Affairs, Gaborone, Botswana
: Tel: 267 302050: Fax: 267 302051/314687 Email: envirobotswana@govv.bw
___________________________________________________________________
Background
Biological
diversity is essential for sustainable human development, because the
variability of living organisms determine to an important extent the
opportunities available to people for improving their lives. Botswana
still possesses an impressive diversity and abundance of wild fauna and
flora. The Government of Botswana has demonstrated considerable commitment
to maintaining the country's rich heritage, amongst others by setting over
35% of the country as National Parks, Game Reserves, Forest Reserves and
Wildlife Management Areas. Despite all the efforts, it is evident that
biological resources continue to be eroded.
To
protect global and national biological diversity Botswana ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in October 1995.
As partial fulfillment to the obligation Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD), Botswana has produced a National
Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan which defines the status of
biological resources, identify pressures on them and propose options and priority
actions for their conservation and sustainable utilization for the benefit
of all Batswana and others. The production of the NBSAP
is a result of an exercise that began in 2002 which involved the stock
taking exercise community consultations and workshops, therefore the BSAP
defines the status of biodiversity in the country, articulate the gaps and
treats facing biodiversity, species under treats and outline steps that can
be taken to alleviate treats.
Botswana has also prepared and submitted
to the Conference of the Parties 3 National Reports in 1998, 2001 and 2005
and the 4th national report is due in 2007. The reports provides detailed
information on the status and trends in biodiversity conservation in Botswana
as well as progress in the implementation of the Convention.
The BSAP is based on 11 strategic objectives
designed to fulfill the vision. Each of these objectives outline a number
of activities to be done by different stakeholders that will help us
achieve the objectives and subsequently the vision. The objectives are:
1. Better understanding of
biodiversity and ecological processes
2. Long-term conservation and management of Botswana’s biological diversity and
genetic resources
3.Efficient and sustainable utilization of all components of
biodiversity in Botswana
through appropriate land and resource use practices and management
4. An institutional environment,
including human capacity, conducive to effective biodiversity conservation,
sustainable use and management.
5. Coping with environmental change and threats to biodiversity
6. Appropriate valuation/appreciation of biological diversity and
raised public awareness on the role of biodiversity in sustainable
development and public participation in biodiversity related
activities and decision making
7. Fair access to biological
resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of
biological resources
8.Safe industrial and technological development and other services
based on national biodiversity resources for future prosperity
9. Improved availability and
access to biodiversity data and information,
and promotion of
exchange of information
10. Recognition of Botswana’s and the Southern
African Region’s roles with regards to Biodiversity
11. Implementation of this
Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
The various
stakeholders were assigned the activities as outlined in the action plan at
a workshop held on the 28th of June 2006
Botswana is also participating in the
Southern Africa Biodiversity Support Project.
For more
information contact: The
Director, Department of Environmental Affairs, Gaborone, Botswana
: Tel: 267 302050: Fax: 267 302051/314687 Email: envirobotswana@govv.bw or
contact the Project Manager Dollina Malepa
at dmalepa@gov.bw, or Tlhokomelo Phuthego at tlphuthego@gov.bw
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___________________________________________________________________
Botswana Environmental
Education Support Fund (BEESF)
The
fund was established by the National Environmental Education Committee (NEEC)
after the Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA)
Conference of 1998 which was held in Botswana. The initial funding
was from the money that remained after the conference. This fund is
self-sustaining and currently an amount of P3 000 is approved to each
deserving institution.
The
target groups are the schools, youth groups and other institutions engaged
in environmental education activities. This includes the NGO's.
Objective
To
support Environmental Education projects which can be self sustaining
To
promote projects which can provide a learning atmosphere for schools and
other categories of the general public.
To
promote a base for infusing environmental education into the curriculum.
Examples
of school projects funded so far include a Bio Park,
weather station, orchard, fish pond and vegetable garden.
For
more information contact: The Executive Secretary, National Conservation
Strategy Coordinating Agency, Gaborone,
Botswana :
Tel: 267 302050: Fax: 267 302051/314687 Email: envirobotswana@govv.bw or
contact Arabang Kanego at akanego@gov.bw
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_____________________________________________________________________
Community
Based Natural Resources Management
(CBNRM)
The Botswana Government through the NCS Agency, in the
Ministry of Lands, Housing and Environment in collaboration with the United
Nations Development Programme is currently promoting sustainable use of natural
resources in order to alleviate poverty in rural areas and hence in the
whole country.
The
CBNRM pilot project started in May 1998 and is expected to end in December
2002. Even though the programme is
scheduled to end, it is planned for and budgeted to continue in National
Development Plan 9.
The objectives of the CBNRM programme are as follows:
§
To diversify rural
economies through the sustainable utilization of natural resources.
§ To assist rural communities in
the development of viable income generating jobs by providing guidance to
good project implementation practices.
§ To alleviate poverty especially
in rural female headed households.
§ To build appropriate partnership
between all relevant stakeholders in sustainable utilization and
conservation of natural resources.
The
project major beneficiary are community based organisations, who aim at
promoting sustainable utilisation of natural resources.
The programme has funded several community projects that are aimed at
empowering communities through community based natural resources management
projects.
For
more information contact: The Executive Secretary, National Conservation
Strategy Coordinating Agency, Gaborone,
Botswana :
Tel: 267 302050: Fax: 267 302051/314687 Email: envirobotswana@govv.bw or
contact Arabang Kanego at akanego@gov.bw
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Environmental
Impact Assessment Act (EIA)
The
EIA Act was enacted by Parliament in May 2005.
The
EIA specifies the general framework to be implemented through Statutory
Orders and guidelines from the Minister responsible for the Environment as
well as identify the proper implementing agencies and ensure that adequate
administrative procedures are in place.
EIA seeks to provide the
decision makers with an indication of the likely consequences of their
developmental activities. Decision makers should consider environmental
impact as one of the issues to be
addressed in decision making in order to balance the competing demands of
development and environmental protection and to provide for environmentally
sound policies, programmes and projects. Furthermore, environmental impact
assessment allows government to consult the interested public on particular
planned policies, programmes or projects.
The
Act provides for the establishment and strengthening of the
environmental impact assessment in the decision making process to ensure
that the environmental implications of policies, programmes or development
projects, are evaluated before approval.
EIA applies to policies,
programmes, projects or activities that are likely to have a significant
effect on the environment. Its scope goes beyond the physical impact to
include other developmental effects such as economic, social, human health,
aesthetic, cultural and institutional.
The
following are the key elements of
the EIA :
(a) a process commonly referred to as
“screening” whereby lists of
projects, programmes, policies or activities subject to an assessment or lists of
environmental sensitive areas are drawn up; the threshold is determined or
criteria set up to guide determinations of the significant effects on the
environment;
(b) a process known as “scoping”
whereby the experts and interested parties such as decision makers or local
people are consulted to canvass their views on the proposed development in
order to determine the important issues to be addressed in the assessment;
(c) the impact assessment which
includes evaluation of cumulative, long term, indirect and trans-boundary
environmental impact of a project, programme or policy, possible
alternative actions and measures to minimise the potential adverse effects;
(d) periodic reviews to measure
compliance with the conditions of an authorisation and assessment of the adequacy
of prescribed mitigation measures; and
(e) environmental impact assessment
preparation lies with the proponent of the project, programme, policy or
activity.
The Act encompasses
these key issues mentioned above and other related matters.
By this legislation, the Government has
initiated a reform process that must be guided by
institutional, planning and administrative arrangements to ensure that the
implementation of EIAs is institutionalised as a formal government policy.
For more information contact: The Director,
Department of Environmental Affairs, Gaborone,
Botswana :
Tel: 267 3902050: Fax: 267 3902051/3914687 Email: envirobotswana@govv.bw .
David Aniku at daniku@gov.bw; Mokgadi
Monamati at mmonamati@gov.bw;
Mmolaadira Autlwetse at mautlwetse@gov.bw;
Goitseone Mathope at gmathope@gov.bw; Tsalano
Kedikilwe at tkedikilwe@gov.bw
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____________________________________________________________________
Environmental Planning Programme
The Environmental Planning Programme
(EPP) was a 2-year programme financed by the Government of Botswana (GOB)
and the Danish Cooperation for Environment and Development(Danced). The
Programme started in 1999 and was scheduled to end in March 2001. However,
A three months extension was granted to wrap up some activities.
The primary parties
involved from GoB were Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP),
Central Statistics Office (CSO) and National Conservation Strategy (Coordinating)
Agency (NCSA). Ministry of Finance and Development Planning appointed the
Director of Development Programmes,
as programme director and chairperson of the Project Steering Committee
(PSC).
Purpose
Of The Programme
The scope
of the project was capacity building in environmental planning. Capacity
building is not only seen as training but also assistance in identifying
needs for institutional changes and development of guidelines and
procedures to institutionalize the integration of environmental issues in
the planning and project implementation process.
Environmental planning is
not only seen as the activities connected to the formal planning system of
National Development Plans, District/Urban Development Plans and Physical
Plans, but will also include other measures to obtain environmental goals
such as introduction of green accounting, environmental management systems,
economic instruments etc.
The Government of
Botswana formulated the programme
and was primary driving force in all activities, while the role of the
DANCED was to support the programme with advice and training of the
officers actually implementing the integration of environmental issues into
the planning process.
Implementation
The
actual implementation of the project was the responsibility of Ramboll
Consultants (Denmark),
in co-operation with Ecosurv (Pty) Ltd. (Botswana), who was contracted
by DANCED.
5 local advisors supported the
programme:
§
1 data-analyst stationed at
MFDP
§
1 Advisor to Serowe and
Serowe-Palapye and Mahalapye and subdistricts
§
1 Advisor to Boteti and
Tutume sub-districts
§
1 Advisor to Selebi Phikwe
City Council and Bobirwa Sub-district
§
Advisor to Gaborone City Council
Programme Activities
The project was divided into
activities around the following main components:
§ Training Environmental Planning Programme
§
Revision of all
planning manuals and handouts the planning system and the project cycle.
§
The planning system and the attached project cycle
§
Improvement of linkages on environmental issues in the National Development
Planning process at central and local level
§
Development of
Environmental Impact Assessment guidelines and manual
at central level and between central and local level
§
Management of Environmental Data
§
General advisory activities
Environmental
Planning Programme Courses
The
NCSA coordinates, in conjunction with the Department of Local Government
Service Management and University of Botswana Department of Environmental Science,
courses aimed at awareness creation within the planning field. The courses
are aimed at middle level planning staff in the
district councils and land boards throughout Botswana.
The
courses are run annually during the months of June, July and August. The
NCSA began running these courses in 2001, before which they were run by the
DANCED. The courses are:
§ Environmental Awareness and
Environmental Impact Assesstment
§ Environmental Impact Assessment
and EIA Process Management
§ Environmental Economics
§ Environmental Planning
Management
§ Geographic Information System
For more information contact: The Director, Department of
Environmental Affairs, Gaborone,
Botswana : Tel:
267 302050: Fax: 267 302051/314687 Email: envirobotswana@govv.bw or
contact Emmanuel Otsogile at
eotsogile@gov.bw
H. Ikgopoleng at, Hikgopole@mopipi.ub.bw University of Botswana
P Bag 0022 Gaborone
Tel: 3552106
Mr.
J. Johnson Department of Local Government Service Management
Tel: 3612843 Fax: 302079
The
EPP Consultancy ended in July 2001 and it is being pursued by DEA.
Subsequently the use of the planning manuals and handbook is in progress to
assist in the preparation of the National Development Plan, District
Development Plan 6 and Urban Development Plan 2. An Environment Keynote
Paper for the NDP 9 was prepared to focus the integration of environmental policies
in the development planning process. EIA sector Draft Guidelines and
manuals are yet to be finalized pending the approval of the EIA Bill. The
Botswana Integrated Management of Environmental Data (BIMEDA) is still in
progress based at Central Statistics Office whilst NCSA is finalizing the
creation of a website.
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Environmental
Risk Assessment of CBPP in the Ngamiland District
Background
In
February 1995 a cattle lung disease
broke out in the Ngamiland District. In April 1996 a decision was
taken to eradicate all cattle in the district in order to prevent the
disease from spreading further.
All
cattle infected or not infected were killed. During the initial stages,
carcasses were disposed of by burning. When the outbreak intensified, carcasses
were buried in trenches excavated near cattle posts, boreholes, fossil
river valleys and active valleys of Kwando and Okavango.
During
the disease control programme undertaken by Department of Animal Health and
Production, about 42 burial sites
were developed. However in the end of the eradication period many more
sites were created and it is estimated that in total about 250 sites were
used. Subsequently there were concerns on potential negative impact that
might arise from decomposition processes in the burial sites. A project was
therefore launched specifically to look at the environmental impact of
cattle carcasses in the Ngamiland region.
Objective of the project
The
goal of the project is to perform a risk assessment studies in and around CBPP
sites in the Ngamiland District. In order to achieve these the project
will:
· map all CBPP burial sites
regarding location, size, geometry and current location
· design and establish and establish
and environmental monitoring system in and around the burial sites
· assess land degradation,
groundwater quality and gas emissions in connection with burial sites.
· perform risk assessment studies
on selected burial sites
· assess and propose necessary
mitigation measures.
Duration
The
project was conducted by Geoflux Consultants and has been completed.
For further information please contact
The Executive Secretary, National Conservation Strategy Coordinating Agency
Tel: 267 302050 Fax: 267 302051/314687 Email: envirobotswana@gov.bw or contact Dollina Malepa at dmalepa@gov.bw
or Christopher Nkala at cnkala@gov.bw
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________________________________________________________________________
Makgakgadi
Management Plan
The
development of a management plan for the Makgadikgadi system is a component
of regional initiative to promote the management of wetlands resources in
the SADC region. The importance of wetlands in Southern
Africa was recognized when in 1983 the SADC Wildlife Sector
Technical Coordinating Unit (WSTCU) initiated the formulation of a regional
wetland progamme. SADC in partnership with the IUCN Regional Office for
Southern Africa (ROSA) implemented Phase I which was funded by NORAD. The
activities of Phase I produced a Programme of Action, whose main objective
was to conserve and ensure a sustainable use of wetland resources, maintain
wetland bio-diversity and the essential ecological and hydrological
functions of wetlands.
Phase II
commenced in 2001 with IUCN – ROSA conducting country consultations and
introducing the Phase II project. The Phase II project is going to be
implemented in three components which are:
·
capacity building in wetlands management
·
development of wetlands management plans and
·
setting up of a regional wetlands information systems
Component two on
the development of management plans is implemented through pilot sites.
Four demonstration sites in the region have been selected for the initial
management planning exercise. Botswana is one of the four countries,
which will benefit from this project as the Makgadikgadi system,
representing a palustrine wetland is one of the selected sites.
The
IUCN–ROSA has engaged a consultancy team, Eco-logical Support Services to
undertake the initial phase of the project, which entails making a survey
of the Makgadikgadi system and compiling an inventory of the system. The
inventory and the information compiled will provide the basis for the
development of a management plan of the system.
For further information please contact The Director, Department
of Environmental Affairs Tel: 267 3902050 Fax: 267
3902051/3914687 Email: envirobotswana@gov.bw
or contact the Portia Segomelo at psegomelo@gov.bw
_____________________________________________________________________
NON GOVERNMENT
ORGANISATION (NGO) FUND
The Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) Fund was established by the
Government of Botswana as a way of facilitating broader involvement of NGOs
in the national development agenda.
NGOs are recognised as key implementers of socio-economic and
environmental agendas at the grassroots level. Therefore, under the
environmental agenda, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) was
mandated by the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism to oversee
the Fund. This Fund was established with the aim of maximising the involvement
of NGOs in activities that can go a long way in ensuring grassroots uptake
of environmental issues. Paramount to such a fund is the fact that there will
be enhanced implementation of activities that have a bearing on
environmental agreements that Botswana is party to.
Therefore, the environmental fund is not only beneficial to the local but
also to the global domain.
For
further information please contact The Director, Department of Environmental Affairs Tel: 267 3902050 Fax: 267 3902051/3914687 Email: envirobotswana@gov.bw or contact Ingrid Otukile (iotukile@gov.bw),
Khulekani Mpofu (khmpofu@gov.bw), Mosimanegape Nthaka (mnthaka@gov.bw)
______________________________________________________________________________________
OKAVANGO
DELTA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Okavango Delta Management Plan
Framework
Okavango Delta – Jewel of the Kalahari
The
Okavango Delta, a magic piece of creation which makes Botswana unique, attractive and
appealing. The Okavango River is quite unique in that it is the only
perennial river in Africa that flows
eastwards without reaching the ocean. After a journey of more than a
thousand kilometres, it drains itself in the endless sands of the Kalahari
basin. The river enters Botswana
at Mohembo and runs for about 95 km before it fans out to form the Okavango
Delta. The Delta holds a vitally important place in the ecological,
economic and cultural fabric of Botswana as it provides a vast
area of water and flooded grassland with good grazing for the rich
diversity of wildlife and livestock. Many people derive their livelihood
from fishing and floodplain farming. The Delta is also economically
valuable as it serves both as a source of revenue from tourism and source
of water for the region.
Why ODMP
The
Government of Botswana ratified the Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance, commonly known as the Ramsar Convention, in April 1997. It
listed the Okavango Delta and the surrounding areas as a Ramsar site and in
doing so made it the world’s largest area protected under the convention.
Concerns over increasing threats to, as well as actual impacts on, the
well-being and changes in the ecological functioning of the Okavango Delta
and other wetlands have been raised and observed over the years. Among
other factors, such changes have been attributed to a growing population,
its accompanying socio-economic developments and the impacts of these. The
Okavango Delta is no exception in this respect and such concerns led
Government to develop the draft National Wetlands Policy and Strategy
(2001). The provisions of the Wetlands Policy, packaged with obligations
under the Ramsar Convention, require that Botswana develop an Integrated
Management Plan of the Okavango Delta.
National
and district consultations on wetland management issues and specifically on
the management of the Delta resources have been conducted over the past two
decades. It has been realised that efforts to address these issues need to
be supported by appropriate planning and management tools and the
commissioning of a project to develop the Okavango Delta Management Plan
will assist in this regard. Land use conflicts are common and resource
management strategies are not always in harmony.
The Planning
Exercise
The
Okavango Delta Management Plan Project was designed under the main
principle of strengthened ownership through accountability and active
participation of all stakeholders both during the development of the plan
and the subsequent implementation. Supporting principles include:
1)
Association of international stakeholders through
the fulfilment of obligations outlined in relevant multi-lateral
environmental agreements, those of the Permanent Okavango River Basin
Commission (OKACOM) and other regional protocols ratified by Botswana
2)
The adoption of an integrated planning process
where all sectors collaborate at all planning and implementation stages
3)
Enhancement of capacity within project
institutions and communities residing in the Delta area
4)
Using the Ecosystem Approach in order to
comprehensively manage the Delta in a manner which devolves responsibility
to the lowest levels of society and within the acceptable ecological
limits, economic context and using a broad information base.
5)
Sensitivity to aspects of gender and HIV/AIDS.
The
project is financed by a combination of the Government of Botswana
supported by the international donor agencies of IUCN, SIDA, DED and
DANIDA. The project is set for a period of 39 months.
The
approach to the development of the plan emphasises wide consultation and
enhanced collaborative action in planning and discharge of responsibilities
in order to identify “hotspots” or areas of conflict. It also emphasises
integrated resource mobilisation to address such issues. The plan
development will follow a phased approach organised into:
·
An Inception Report that details the project
component activities and time schedule – delivered October 2004
·
A Framework Management Plan that will outline key
elements needed to shape and structure the integrated management plan –
September, 2005
·
A Draft Management Plan comprising a fully
structured and content-rich plan for consideration by all stakeholders
before submission for government ratification – March 2006
·
The
Final Management Plan – October, 2006
The
project is coordinated by the National Conservation Strategy Agency (NCSA)
in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism. The Executive
Secretary of the NCSA manages the project and is assisted by a Project
Facilitator. A Project Secretariat comprising of a Project Coordinator,
Chief Technical Advisor, Information/Public Education officer and support
staff has been established in Maun to carry out the day-to-day coordination
of the project components. A Project Steering Committee (PSC), chaired by
the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and
Tourism, has been established to provide policy guidance and make key
project decisions. The PSC is comprised of the relevant Directors and CEOs
of the project partner institutions as well as representatives of donor
agencies and NGOs. At district level the project is supervised by the
Okavango Wetlands Management Committee (OWMC) comprised of representatives
from all district project partner institutions, NGOs and CBOs. The OWMC is
chaired by the Secretary of Tawana Land Board.
Many
stakeholders are associated with the planning process. These include:
·
Local communities, tour and safari operators,
Community Based Organisations (CBOs), private individuals, companies and
associations
·
District institutions – government departments,
local authorities, the District Land Use Planning Unit, the District
Development Committee and the Plan Management Unit
·
Directors/heads of all ODMP component
institutions, project donors/partners, NGOs and the private sector at
national level through the Project Steering Committee (PSC).
·
International stakeholders through OKACOM, the
Ramsar Bureau and IUCN’s worldwide network.
To
integrate resource management for the Okavango Delta that will ensure its
long-term conservation and that will provide benefits for the present and
future well-being of the people, through sustainable use of its natural
resources.
To
develop a comprehensive, integrated management plan for the conservation
and sustainable use of the Okavango Delta and surrounding areas.
The
expected outcomes and outputs are summarised as:-
·
Provision of a long-term vision for the Okavango
Delta that includes development options and management scenarios
·
An integrated, dynamic management plan, providing
the overarching framework and contextual guidelines for all other district
strategies, plans (e.g. specific settlement development plans), individual
areas (e.g. Wildlife Management Areas) and sector (e.g. Panhandle
Management plan) management plans
·
A plan that is adopted by all major stakeholders
·
Determination and setting levels of use in order
to ensure sustainability and protection of the natural resources of the
Ramsar site
·
Determination and implementation of research
needs, determination of monitoring requirements and setting standards
·
Provision of data and filling of information gaps
·
Proposition of development options to the
Permanent Okavango River Basin Commission (OKACOM) for its entire Okavango River Basin management planning
exercise
·
Establishment of an institutional framework to
implement the management plan
·
Development of procedures for implementation, as
well as regular and transparent review of the plan
·
Creation of capacity in the different implementing
agencies, not only for the planning process itself but also to ensure the
plan’s eventual and ongoing implementation. This includes, but is not
limited to, improving:
·
Data handling, collection and storage ability
·
Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation
·
Education about ecosystem functioning and use
·
Training in specific and relevant areas as
determined by component focal points in association with the ODMP Project
Secretariat
The
project is designed in a sector-based or thematic areas approach with
twelve components implemented by relevant organisations within and outside
government. The thematic areas were derived from the issues which were
raised during the stakeholder consultations. Lead agencies have been
identified and tasked with a responsibility to develop and implement
activities directed at addressing the problems identified. Each component
institution has a designated focal person(s) for direct contact with the
Project Secretariat and other components.
Each
component has an agreed budget allocated and funds are disbursed at the
beginning of every financial year and administered by the individual
institutions through their normal financial procedures.
The
project is organised into 12 components.
Sustainable
natural resources management and improved livelihoods realised through
integrated management planning in the Okavango Delta.
Project
Secretariat
1)
ODMP Management Structures in place
2)
A Functional, Integrated Management Planning
Process
3)
An integrated Okavango Delta Management Plan
NCSA
4)
A report on policy review and recommendations
5)
A report on the economic characterisation of the
delta
6)
An updated map of the Ramsar site and information
sheet
7)
A common, shared and agreed vision for the delta
8)
A training and capacity building programme
All
the stakeholders (communities, national, regional and international)
empowered to sustainably use and conserve the Okavango Delta and its
resources through effective communication, dialogue and information
exchange. The communication programme will ensure that:
·
Key stakeholders, including those that represent
the upstream interests in the river basin, share knowledge about the
functioning of the Okavango ecosystem and
its local, national and international importance
·
All stakeholders mutually understand and agree
upon the strategic choices underlying the conservation and wise use of the
Delta and that this understanding and agreement is reflected in the final
management plan
·
Key local, national, regional and international
stakeholders participate fully in the drafting, adoption and the subsequent
implementation of the plan.
9)
A widely agreed Communication Strategy
10)
Communication mechanisms, tools and training
manuals, meetings and workshop proceedings
11)
A training and capacity building programme
A
comprehensive data and information management system is available in
appropriate formats supported by continuous research and adoption of local
knowledge through participatory means.
12)
A comprehensive data storage and management
function
13)
A library service supporting research and
inquiries of third parties.
14)
A widely available Okavango Delta 5–10 year
research strategy based on wide consultation.
15)
Guidance in participatory planning is given to
partner institutions (reports, advice and training courses).
Sustainable
water resources management, through improved understanding and enhanced
modelling of hydrological dynamics, which ensures the wellbeing of the
human population and the natural environment.
16)
A comprehensive integrated hydrological model.
17)
An improved hydrological and climatic monitoring
programme.
18)
An improved aquatic weed control programme.
19)
Waterway traffic regulations (speed, boat
type/size, engine size etc.) including guidelines on carrying capacity for
motorboats and zoning (temporal/spatial) of waterways.
20)
A training and capacity building programme
Sustainable
management of the Delta’s wildlife populations particularly in relation to
the well-being of communities and interactions with the livestock sector
and tourism industry.
21)
Report with recommendations for reduced
human-elephant conflict in and around the Delta.
22)
Buffalo survey report with recommendations and maps
23)
Slaty Egret survey report with recommendations and
maps.
24)
Predator – livestock conflict report with
recommendations and maps.
25)
Rare species survey report with recommendations
and maps.
26)
Training and capacity programme.
Improvement,
development and diversification of district tourism, particularly
ecotourism and CBNRM, activities and programmes to create an enabling
environment for conservation, sustainable utilisation and management of
natural resources for the mutual benefit of local and national economies,
livelihoods and poverty alleviation.
27)
A comprehensive report on carrying capacity and
limits of acceptable change in the tourism and ecotourism sector with clear
recommendations on setting limits.
28)
A comprehensive report on tourism and ecotourism
diversification, as well as citizen participation, engagement and
employment with recommendations on areas for new tourism development and
changes required to improve citizen involvement.
29)
A review of, and report on, the existing Ngamiland
CBNRM sector with recommendations for diversification, especially into new,
non-tourism based activities.
30)
A District Tourism Development Strategy and an
Ecotourism Action Plan.
31)
A tourism and ecotourism monitoring programme
built on and developed simultaneously with a functioning and user friendly
database and information system that can be used to assess industry
performance, trends and impacts.
Sustainable use and
management of the Okavango Delta’s fish resource by a revised and
implemented Fisheries Act and fisheries regulations and improved understanding
of resource dynamics achieved via rigorous scientific monitoring, better
planning, practical field interventions, greater stakeholder participation
and appropriate conflict resolution mechanisms.
32)
Report on status of the fish stock
33)
Fisheries Socio economic study report
34)
Fishery frame survey report
35)
Fishery creel survey report
36)
Fisheries management plan
37)
Capacity building and training programme.
Sustainable
management of vegetation resources and resolution of management conflicts
by determination and use of accurate ecological data and information on
local user demands, as well as through the use of localised management
structures.
38)
A report and maps on carrying capacity and
stocking rates
39)
Vegetation profiles and maps (types, composition
and condition)
40)
Vegetation Resources Management Plan
41)
Fire Management Plan
42)
Training and capacity building programmes
An
integrated settlement and infrastructure development plan for Shakawe
village, which will take into consideration the socio-economic needs of the
population and the conservation and sustainable use of the natural
resources in the area and enable development of other settlements and
infrastructure properly attuned to the unique environment of the Okavango
Delta, specifically its ecological functioning and natural resources base.
43)
A Geotechnical survey report
44)
An Environmental Impact Assessment report
45)
The Shakawe Development Plan
46)
Training for council staff and stakeholders where
appropriate.
Sustainable Land Use and Land Management – Tawana Land
Board in conjunction with District
Land Use Planning
Unit
To
plan and develop an integrated land use plan attuned to the needs of the
conservation and sustainable use of the Okavango Delta and that should be
implemented with detailed land management guidelines and supported by a
comprehensive land database.
47)
A report of survey detailing gaps in existing plans,
current land and natural resources use, stakeholder aspirations as well as
the need for detailed land use plans
48)
An integrated land use plan regulating land use
and land management paying specific attention to vulnerable areas in the
Okavango Delta
49)
Plan and policy implementation guidelines (land
management, ecosystem and natural resources management and wetland
management)
50)
Tawana Land Board and DLUPU staff well trained on multi-zone
land use planning, integrated water resources management and conflict
resolution
51)
A well developed, comprehensive land database
Solid
and liquid waste is well managed in the whole Ramsar site, particularly in
the tourism and related sectors, complying with national policies and
regulations and meeting or exceeding international standards and thereby
preventing possible loss of biodiversity and other environmentally harmful
consequences that could otherwise result from insufficiently managed waste.
52)
A District Waste Management Strategy developed and
implemented
53) Capacity Building and Training Programmes
To
assess the disease control strategies currently utilised in the Okavango
Delta and make recommendations on potential changes or improvements to
these that will ensure sustainable management of livestock and the
concomitant conservation of wildlife.
54)
Baseline data report and Tsetse Monitoring
programme
55)
Report on maintenance of veterinary fences
56)
Educational programmes on disease control measures
57)
Report on effectiveness of provision of boreholes
away from the Delta
Training and
capacity building programmes
For more information contact The Director, Department
of Environmental Affairs Gaborone, Botswana; Tel: 267 3902050; Fax: 267
3902051/314687 Email: envirobotswana or contact Portia Segomelo at psegomelo@gov.bw
OKACOM
Introduction
Recognising
the significant regional and global values of the Okavango
River Basin, the Governments of
Angola, Botswana and Namibia
established the Permanent Okavango River Basin Commission (OKACOM) in
September 1994. The countries are
committed to the negotiation of all transboundary water issues through
OKACOM.
The
OKACOM GEF project
In 1995 OKACOM declared its commitment to the implementation of an
Environmental Assessment (EA) and an Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for
the basin The proposal for the EA and IMP recognised the threats to the basin and the need for joint management
to protect national interests. OKACOM formally requested the
assistance of the GEF in August 1995; requesting UNDP to assist in the
development of a GEF supported programme for the Okavango River Basin.
Consequently, GEF PDF Block A and then Block B resources were used in 1996
and 1997 to begin removing critical barriers in regional co-operation and
analysis and working toward the development of a joint management programme.
A draft Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) has been
compiled as part of the PDF B activities.
For more general
information on
OKACOM contact, the Department of Water Affairs, Ministry of Minerals,
Energy and Water Affairs, Gaborone Botswana; Tel: 267 3607100; Fax: 267
303508
For environmental issues on
OKACOM contact The Director, Department of Environmental Affairs Gaborone,
Botswana; Tel: 267 3902050; Fax: 267 3902051/314687 Email: envirobotswana
or contact Portia Segomelo at psegomelo@gov.bw
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____________________________________________________________________
School Environmental Education Policy
The school Environmental Policy
is implemented by National Environmental Education Committee (NEEC).
The
School environmental policy (SEP) education pack is a SADC/ ELMS NETCAB national environmental education
project sponsored by USAID, to assist member states to introduce
environmental education into the curriculum. NCSA is the national
representative, while Curriculum Development and Evaluation is coordinating
it for the Ministry of Education.
The
SEP is to be used as an educational resource to enhance environmental
awareness and understanding to respond to environmental issues and risks at
local level through the curriculum.
Aims
of SEP
· To raise learners environmental
awareness, knowledge and understanding.
· To provide students the
opportunity
v To study the environment from a
variety of perspectives, basing on common themes derived from the existing
curriculum.
v To meet a wide range of national curriculum attainment
targets and goals in a cross curricular framework (holistic vs. subject).
For
more information contact
The Director, Department of Environmental Affairs Gaborone, Botswana; Tel:
267 3902050; Fax: 267 3902051/314687 Email: envirobotswana or contact Arabang Kanego at akanego@gov.bw
Mr. Richard M. Sengalo Curriculum
Development and Evaluation rsengalo@gov.bw
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________________________________________________________________________
Southern African
Biodiversity Support Programme (SABSP)
The (Southern Africa
Biodiversity Support Programme) SABSP is a regional biodiversity
conservation and sustainable use initiative that originated from a series
of consultations among Southern African states and other relevant
institutions and NGO's starting from 1993 until 1996 when the GEF council
approved the project proposal. Since 1996 when GEF approved the project,
SADC, UNDP and the member states have been working together to
operationalise the project. The final programme document was approved by
GEF on 25th April 2000
and the programme was launched on 21st September 2000 in Lilongwe, Malawi.
There are ten countries included
in the project namely Angola,
Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi,
Mozambique, Namibia, South
Africa, Swaziland,
Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Implementation in Botswana
The National Coordinator is
located at the Department of Environmental Affairs. An office has been set
up for the programme and a Project Officer was hired on the February, 2002.
For further information please contact The Director, Department of Environmental
Affairs Tel: 267 3902050 Fax: 267 3902051/314687
Email: envirobotswana@gov.bw or
contact the Project Manager Dollina malepa at dmalepa@gov.bw
The following information was
obtained from the SABSP
FUNDING OF THE
PROJECT
The SABSP is a GEF funded
project. Programme implementation responsibility was assigned to the SADC
Forestry Sector Techinical Coordinating Unit (FSTCU), which is based in Lilongwe, Malawi. UNDP Malawi office is
the implementing agency on behalf of GEF while World Conservation Union
Regional Office for Southern Africa (IUCN
ROSA) is the technical partner to SADC FSTCU. In addition to funding from
GEF/UNDP the SADC national governments will contribute to the financing of
the project mainly through provision of staff, office space and basic
operational expenses to the Programme Implementation Unit as well as
National Biodiversity Focal Points and the Sector contact persons.
DURATION OF THE PROJECT
The initial project proposal was
approved by GEF in 1997. The final approval was made by GEF in April 2000.
The project was officially launched in the SADC region ON 21st September 2000 and will continue under
the present GEF funding for five years.
OBJECTIVES OF THE SABSP
The overall goal of the
SABSP is to improve co-operation and to build capacity both within and between
participating nations and to integrate sustainable use into biodiversity
conservation and other sectoral programmes and has the following immediate
objectives
· to
improve the availability and accessibility of biodiversity information and its
application in conservation, planning and management;
· to
achieve cross-sectoral national and regional co-operation in biodiversity
conservation and sustainable use activities
· to
develop national and regional institutional capacity for co-ordination and
implementation of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use activities
· to
integrate effective practices of sustainable natural resource use into
national and regional conservation and other sectoral planning and
programmes; and
· to
develop financing mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of the regional
support framework.
EXPECTED OUTPUTS
At the end of the programme, the
following situation is expected to prevail;
· Regional
Biodiversity Information system established and operational
· Regional
expertise network established and operational
· Regional
biodiversity strategy, action plan and monitoring systems developed and
incorporated in national and regional policies and plans and their
implementation arrangemen~5 agreed.
· Regional
training needs in biodiversity conservation and management prioritised and
appropriate training courses developed and implemented
· Cadres
of Southern African nationals trained in biodiversity conservation and
management skills
Pilot schemes and studies in biodiversity conservation and
use implemented and their results complied and published and disseminated
· National
and regional strategies for sustainable financing mechanisms for
biodiversity conservation and use developed and its information shared
among SADC countries for follow up.
· New
and additional funding for potential follow up biodiversity conservation
activities mobilized
ACTIVITIES
Programme activities include
· Development
of a regional Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and a monitoring system,
·
Development of regional Information Systems Network
· Regional
biodiversity related training courses, national and regional workshops
· Pilot
biodiversity projects at national level establishment of biodiversity networking
among biodiversity experts and information exchange
· Development
of financing mechanisms for long term funding of biodiversity activities
IMPORTANCE
OF THE PROGRAMME TO THE SADC REGION
The Southern
African Region is endowed with varied biological resources and ecosystems
of global biodiversity importance including the Mediterranean-type
ecosystem of the Cape
Floristic Kingdom,
Coastal, Marine and Freshwater systems, forest ecosystems and mountain
ecosystems. This biological richness supports the livelihoods of many
people and forms the basis for the economies of their respective
governments. Much of this biological richness exists within trans-boundary
areas and/or exhibits trans-boundary migration patterns.
As
a consequence of the transboundary nature of biodiversity, the region
shares common problems with respect to the physical decline and loss of
biodiversity and the underlying factors contributing to such decline and
loss.
Various meetings of
experts have noted that common social, institutional and policy problems
are paramount factors affecting the region's efforts to manage and conserve
biodiversity. The problems are augmented by the limited and scattered
information use, and the lack of clear national and regional priority
setting with respect to land use, development and conservation planning.
This programme is intended to strengthen
regional institutional structure and assist in establishment of sustainable
financing mechanisms for these. This will lead to improvements in both
national and trans-boundary biodiversity and ecosystem management and
conservation, as well as the integration of sustainable use principles and
practice into wider sectoral programme. The programme will also assist
governments of the region to implement their objectives and obligations
under the Convention on Biological Biodiversity.
TARGET
BENEFICIARIES
The target beneficiaries of the
SABSP are the people, governments, NGO's CBO's, and industries of countries
participating in this collaborative programme of activities related to the
national implementation of the CBD. Other SADC (member states not mentioned
in here may benefit from the spin of effects from the programme.
PROGRAMME
IMPLEMENTATION
At regional
level, the activities of the programme are co-ordinated by a Programme
Implementation Unit (PIU) headed by a Regional Programme Coordinator based
at the FSTCU in Malawi.
A Regional Programme Steering committee with membership drawn from the participating
countries is responsible for providing guidance to the PIU. IUCN is the
technical partner for the FSTCU with the responsibilities to provide
technical support to the PIU and financial management for national
activities.
At national
level, the overall co-ordination responsibility lies with a National
Programme Co-ordinator. Each country also has a National Programme Steering
Committee and a total of five thematic Technical Task Forces responsible
for developing specific outputs of the programme with support from national
sub contractors.
COUNTRY
PROFILES
ANGOLA
PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
At regional
level, the activities of the programme are co-ordinated by a Programme Implementation
Unit (PIU) headed by a Regional Programme Coordinator based at the FSTCU
in Malawi.
A Regional Programme Steering committee with membership drawn from the
participating countries is responsible for providing guidance to the PIU.
IUCN is the technical partner for the FSTCU with the responsibilities to
provide technical support to the PIU and financial management for national
activities.
At national
level, the overall co-ordination responsibility lies with a National
Programme Co-ordinator. Each country also has a National Programme Steering
Committee and a total of five thematic Technical Task Forces responsible
for developing specific outputs of the programme with support from national
sub contractors.
COUNTRY
PROFILES
ANGOLA
BOTSWANA
Botswana shall coordinate the project
through the National Biodiversity Authority, which is a multi sectoral and
multidisciplinary body established by government of Botswana with a mandate to
coordinate biodiversity activities in the country. Membership of the NBA
includes government departments, University
of Botswana and Non
governmental Organisations.
LESOTHO
The National Environmental Council is the secretariat to the
National Steering Committee. Members of the committee include, Lesotho
national Council of NGOs, Department of Forestry, conservation and Land use
planning, Department of Livestock, Tourism and Culture, National University
of Lesotho, Local government, department of Water Affairs, Central Planning
and Lesotho Council of Traditional healers.
MALAWI
The SADC BSP National committee in Malawi comprises of 10
committee members drawn from the National Biodiversity Steering Committee,
which is composed of 32 people. Department of Environmental Affairs is the
secretariat. Members of the committee are National Herbarium, Forestry
Department, Fisheries Department, National Parks, University
of Malawi, and Ministry of
Agriculture, Wildlife society of Malawi, Traditional Healers
Association of Malawi and CURE.
MOZAMBIQUE
NAMIBIA
The
National Coordinating body is the Directorate of Environmental affairs.
SOUTH AFRICA
The
National programme Coordinator will be based at the National Botanical Institute.
The NPC will be under the advice of a National Steering Committee and will
report t the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism through a
Biodiversity Working Group on Biodiversity and Conservation. The working
group has representatives from Department of Environment and Tourism, Nine
Provincial Departments, SA National Parks and National Botanical Institute.
SWAZILAND
Implementation of
Biodiversity initiatives falls within the overall structure of the National
Environmental Action Plan (NEAP). The Biodiversity Programme Implementation
Committee is coordinating implementation of the SABSP, which is one of the
five committees responsible for the five programme areas under the NEAP.
The Biodiversity Programme Implementation Committee is under the
chairmanship of Swaziland Environmental Authority and consists of natural
resource related ministries, private sector, NGOs and University of Swaziland.
ZAMBIA
The ministry of
Environment and Natural Resources is the country co-ordinating agency
working through the National Steering Committee.
ZIMBABWE
Ministry of
Mines, Environment and Tourism is coordinating the project through an
intersectoral National Steering Committee. Membership of the National
Steering Committee is drawn from the following sectors: agriculture,
forestry, wildlife, aquaculture, poverty alleviation and other interest
groups. MMET is responsible for day to day project management and
coordination as well as providing a secretariat.
PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION UNIT
Programme Coordinator (Mr. E. Misomali)
SADC FSTCU
P.O. Box 30048
Lilongwe 3
Malawi
Tel: 265771 812/774268
Fax: 265 771 000
Email: sadcfstcu@malawi.net
Programme Assistant (Ms E. Tsoka)
SADC FSTCU
P.O.
Box
30048
Lilongwe 3
Malawi
Tel: 265 771 812/ 774 268
Fax: 265 771 000
Email: sadcfstcu@malawi.net
National Programme Coordinators
ANGOLA
(Mr Gabriel
Fernandes)
Ministry of Fisheries and
Environment
Avenida
4 de Fevererio No. 30
Luanda
Tel:
244 2 311 140
Fax:
244 2 310 622/310 479
Email:
gabifernandes@hotmail.com
BOTSWANA (Mrs Dollina Malepa)
Ministry of Lands Housing and Environment
National Conservation Strategy Coordinating Agency
P/Bag 0068
Gaborone
Botswana
Tel: 267 302050
Fax: 267 302051/ 314687
Email: dmalepa@gov.bw
LESOTHO (Mr. Thulo Qhotsokoane)
Ministry of Enyironment
Gender and Youth
P.O.
Box
10993
Maseru 100
Lesotho
266310056
266310054
Email: natenv@lesoff.co.za
MALAWI (Mrs. Y. Ntupanyama)
Department of
Environmental affairs
P.
Bag 394
Tel: 265
771 111
Fax: 265 773 379
Email: deapp@sdnp.org.mw
MOZAMBIQUE (Mr. E Baquete)
Ministry of Environmental Affairs
P.O Box
2020
Maputo
Tel: 258 1 466 246
Fax: 258 1 465 849
Email: dngrn@zebra.uem.mz
SWAZILAND (Mr. Stephen Zuke)
Ministry of Tourism, Env.
and Communications
Income Tax
Building (Second Floor)
Mhlambanyatsi
Road
P.O.
Box 2652
Mbabane
Swaziland
H1OO
268 404 6420/J
268404 1719
Email: sea@realnet.co.sz
SOUTH AFRICA (Dr Maureen M. Wolfson)
National Botanical
Institute
Private Bag X101
Pretoria
South Africa
Tel: 27 12 804 3200
Fax: 27 12 804 5343
Email: mmw@nbipre.nbi.ac
ZIMBABWE (Dr Enos Shumba)
Forestrv Commission
Ministry of Environment and
Tourism
HG
595
Highlands Harare
Zimbabwe
Tel: 263 4 497 070
Fax: 263
4 497 070
Email: environment @ gta.gov.zw
________________________________________________________________________
State of the Environment Review
Download copy of SOER 2002
NCSA
is mandated by the National Policy on Natural Resources Conservation and
Development to prepare State of the Environment Reviews (SOERs). The
objective of the SOER is to provide environmental trends and conditions in
order to support sustainable development decisions. The SOER project
started in February 2000 and will complete in September 2002. After this
SOER will be produced routinely by at predetermined intervals.
For further information please contact The Director, Department
of Environmental Affairs tel: 267 3902050 Fax: 267
3902051/3914687 Email: envirobotswana@gov.bw
or contact Julia Ditlhong at jkejang@gov.bw.
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Wetland
Policy and Strategy
The NCS institutions
coordinated the formulation of a draft Wetlands policy and Strategy for Botswana.
The need for the conservation of wetlands resources was identified in 1994,
and was followed by in-depth consultations across different Government
Departments, Local Authorities, Local Communities and Non Governmental
Organisations. The process to develop the draft Policy and Strategy started
with the compilation of a National Wetlands Inventory and an Issues Paper,
which outlined the major issues of wetlands in Botswana. These activities
spanned the period 1997-2001. The elements of the draft Policy and Strategy
on Wetlands emerged from the outcomes of these initial phases. The main
goal of the draft Policy and Strategy is "to promote the
conservation of Botswana's
wetlands in order to sustain their ecological and socio-economic functions
as well as providing benefits for the present and future well being of the
people."
The draft Policy
further recognises the following:
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The
irreplaceable ecological and socio economic values of wetlands
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Botswana's internationally important
and unique wetlands
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ongoing
degradation of wetlands resources
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our
responsibility for stopping wetlands loss and
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the
need to maintain wetlands through sustainable use, improved management
and full public support.
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The draft
Wetlands Policy and Strategy document is currently undergoing consultation
and should be approved during NDP 9.
For further information please contact The Director, Department of Environmental
Affairs: Tel: 267 3902050 Fax: 267 3902051/3914687
Email: envirobotswana@gov.bw
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