Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, has reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to sustainability, positioning it at the core of the Twelfth National Development Plan (NDP 12).
Presenting the plan’s environmental and tourism components to Parliament, Mmolotsi said the country’s future growth depends on how responsibly it manages its natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity in the face of climate change and economic transformation.
“If we fail to manage these sustainably, our development will be short-lived.” The Minister stressed that environmental protection, climate resilience, and green innovation would no longer be treated as side projects but as central pillars of economic planning under NDP 12.
The plan outlines a comprehensive sustainability framework that integrates climate change adaptation, environmental governance, and green infrastructure. It prioritises water conservation, land restoration, renewable energy expansion, and sustainable tourism as drivers of a resilient economy.
According to Mmolotsi, government will strengthen environmental institutions and laws, including the Environmental Assessment Act and Wildlife Conservation Policy, to ensure development projects meet sustainability standards.
He revealed that Botswana will intensify its transition toward clean energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Renewable energy is projected to make up at least 30 percent of national power generation by 2030.
Tourism, which currently contributes 5.1 percent to GDP and employs over 50,000 people, will also adopt greener practices to safeguard ecosystems such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. The Minister said sustainable tourism certification and eco-labelling will be scaled up to ensure that operators meet responsible management standards
NDP 12 also calls for reforestation and ecosystem restoration initiatives to combat land degradation, which affects about 20 percent of Botswana’s arable land. The government aims to rehabilitate at least 200,000 hectares of degraded land by 2030, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices to reduce pressure on natural habitats.
Water management remains a critical sustainability concern, with the plan proposing investment in desalination, rainwater harvesting, and cross-border water cooperation. “Without sustainable water systems, there can be no sustainable growth,” Mmolotsi noted. He said projects like the North-South Carrier 3 Pipeline and community water reuse schemes will help improve access while reducing wastage.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of community participation in achieving sustainability goals. He announced that community trusts in tourism zones will receive technical support to manage natural resources more effectively and to benefit directly from eco-tourism ventures.
“True sustainability is not just about protecting nature; it is about empowering people to live in harmony with it,” Mmolotsi said in conclusion.
