AiBotGaborone, Botswana, April 5, 2023 – The Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Tourism of Botswana, Philda Kereng, has underscored her country’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, emphasizing the vital role it plays in supporting local communities while minimizing environmental impact.
At the Annual Meetings of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment, held in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, Minister Kereng highlighted Botswana’s efforts to incorporate sustainable tourism practices into national policies and guidelines. With a strong focus on community-led conservation and ecotourism, she expressed her government’s dedication to preserving the nation’s rich biodiversity while fostering inclusive economic growth.
In an exclusive statement, Minister Kereng stated that responsible tourism must be harnessed as a tool for poverty reduction, job creation, and socio-economic empowerment of local populations. “Sustainable tourism has been a key component of our nation’s economic diversification strategy,” she said. “We are working to enhance our capacity to develop and implement eco-friendly practices that balance the need for economic benefits with the imperative of protecting our precious natural resources.”
As part of her country’s strategic plan, the government of Botswana aims to increase the percentage of income from ecotourism spent locally and ensure that all tourists have opportunities to engage directly with local communities. To achieve this, tourism-related infrastructure is being improved, and programs for skills development, business mentoring, and entrepreneurial support are being launched in collaboration with the private sector and donors.
The Minister also touched on the government’s intention to promote the use of environmentally-friendly transportation systems and to enhance national park development. “We recognize the pivotal role that tourism plays in generating foreign exchange earnings, creating jobs, and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness,” she said.
The African Ministerial Conference on the Environment has become a leading forum for sharing knowledge, promoting regional cooperation, and tackling common environmental challenges in the region. Minister Kereng’s commitment to sustainable tourism development serves as a testament to Botswana’s continued dedication to a holistic approach to economic development, one that prioritizes both environmental conservation and local community well-being.
When asked about future plans, Minister Kereng expressed her enthusiasm for continuing to collaborate with regional partners and the international community to leverage best practices and cutting-edge technologies in the field of sustainable tourism.
“This collaboration is crucial to the success of our nation’s sustainable tourism strategy,” she said. “Together, we can ensure that the tourism sector continues to contribute positively to Botswana’s economic prosperity while conserving its natural beauty and biodiversity.”