Botswana is actively working towards having Gcwihaba Caves listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The caves are located in the North Western part of the country, and if the proposal is successful, they will become the third alongside the Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills.
The caves are known for their underground caverns’ unique stalactite, stalagmite, and flowstone formations, and the large colonies of bats that inhabit them.
Botswana National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the Department of National Museum and Monuments, recently hosted a stakeholder engagement meeting in Maun regarding the proposal.
National Museum and Monuments Acting Director, Kabelo Mogami explained that the main objective of the meeting was to share with residents of North West District that Gcwihaba has been identified for possible listing.
The meeting was also meant to sensitise the residents about the importance of listing the and how it could benefit the country and especially the local residents living closer to the caves.
Mogami highlighted that the listing will bring conservation support, and that there will also be access to international funding and expertise. He added that the development would also help with cultural preservation and the protection of the monuments for future generations.
For his part, the North West District Commissioner, Thabang Waloka appreciated the initiative as caves display cultural diversity. Waloka said he is in full support of the proposal as it will enhance the caves’ international recognition and also promote tourism.
He further said that it will also enhance the growth of the local economy of people residing in the area where the caves are located like those of Xaixai village. “The caves’ unique ecosystems of flora and fauna will also be protected. Therefore, I truly support for the Gcwihaba caves to officially be inscribed on the World Heritage List,” Waloka said.
Meanwhile, UNESCO is also actively supporting Southern African Member States to increase the number of World Heritage Site inscriptions by providing technical and financial assistance, capacity building, and promoting the identification, protection, and management of cultural and natural heritage.
