Honourable Tshekedi Khama, Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, discusses Botswana’s significant potential as a tourism destination. He also outlines the government’s plans to make sure that tourism growth goes hand-in-hand with protecting the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
European Times: What are some of the ministry’s recent projects?
Honourable Tshekedi Khama: One of Botswana’s greatest recent achievements was the designation of the Okavango Delta as UNESCO’s 1000’s World Heritage Site. This area is around 40 km from another World Heritage site in Botswana, the Tsodilo Hills, and the two complement each other since Okavango is a natural site, while Tsodilo Hills is a cultural site with over 3,500 rock paintings. We are also proud of our record in fighting poaching.
European Times: Are you involved in projects with other countries?
Honourable Tshekedi Khama: We are working with the World Wildlife Fund on a new project in partnership with South Africa, and we share information with our neighbouring countries, for example concerning our elephant population. Botswana has around 200,000 elephants, more than any country, and many of them have migrated here from elsewhere since Botswana is a safe haven for them.
European Times: What are Botswana’s top tourism sites?
Honourable Tshekedi Khama: The Okavango, Linyanti Great Plains, Savuti and Chobe are Botswana’s best-known tourism destinations, but we also have Makgadikgadi, one of the world’s largest salt pans, and the Kgalagadi Park on our southern border. We want to develop attractions in southern Botswana as well as in northern Botswana.
European Times: Why should international investors target Botswana’s tourism sector?
Honourable Tshekedi Khama: We support a tourism industry led by the private sector and by native communities. Our community-based natural-resources-management programme (CBNRM) has been very successful and we want to develop it further. This ministry is also taking the lead in ensuring that Botswana’s environment is protected and we welcome foreign investors.
European Times: What about the accusations made by foreign press that the government displaced local tribes?
Honourable Tshekedi Khama: The government has not forcibly removed anyone from any area. Botswana does not allow permanent structures in game reserves, national parks and wildlife-management areas, which cover a large portion of the country. People can live in these areas but not have permanent structures or raise livestock there. So, we informed people that if they wanted permanent buildings, these had to be outside these areas. Most people in this situation have moved outside protected areas and have received government support for schools, clinics and more. Boycotts hurt the people they pretend to support because the government is using tourism and diamond revenues to help communities.
European Times: What is your personal message?
Honourable Tshekedi Khama: Botswana is safe, stable and an exceptional tourism destination. There is no other country like Botswana. Mini
