As the Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) bill awaits its second reading this winter session of Parliament before it becomes law, Community Based Organisations (CBOs) have made their submission expressing concerns that some provisions of the bill might undermine the longstanding successes of community-led conservation efforts in Botswana.
This submission represents over 49 community trusts across Botswana which are mostly affiliates of the Ngamiland Council of NGOs (NCONGO).
In their review of the Bill, CBOS emphasized that it should be amended before is passed through parliament, to better reflect community needs and ensure sustainable management of natural resources.
They cautioned that certain clauses could potentially reverse years of progress made in community-based conservation initiatives.
As the bill will result into the establishment of a CBNRM department, the CBOs have however suggested enhancing the department’s roles to include maximizing household income ensuring that the economic benefits from natural resources directly impact community members.
They also want the department to develop the wildlife economy to create jobs and track contributions to GDP and taxes, establish clear standards for participatory governance to empower communities and ensure transparency and accountability. They further suggest for the department to implement mechanisms that ensure community participation in setting quotas, allowing their voices to be essential in decision-making.
The Trusts also calls for a structured mechanism to be in place to guarantee community involvement in quota setting, ensuring the process is democratic and inclusive.
This as Article 7, Sub-section (e) of the bill request for a hunting quota on behalf of a CBOs from the Director responsible of wildlife and national parks, after having satisfied himself or herself that they comply with this Act.
Regarding registration of community-based organisations, they demand for the process to be clear, especially regarding re-registration after a CBO has been deregistered. “Detailed guidelines are needed for re-registering CBOs after deregistration to prevent loss of access to sustainable benefits, that will ensure continuity and stability in community efforts.”
The CBOs also note that community representation on the national board of the CBNRM department appears limited, proposing for the number to be revised to at least five members representing CBOs, complemented by two members from the wider public. This as the establishment of the board is inclusive of only two members from CBOs.
“This recommendation is based on the understanding that CBO representatives have more substantial knowledge and experience in natural resource management and issues surrounding their natural resource, making their representation crucial.”
The CBOs are also against the broader of roles of the TAC which they complain undermine communities’ ability to control their own development, especially in managing benefits from their natural resources.
“The micro-management suggested restricts communities’ decision-making autonomy. The community believe that provisions allowing micromanagement of community processes should be replaced by standards that grant communities autonomy to manage their affairs without excessive oversight.”
The communities are also against one of the clauses of the bill whish says CBOs, shall, in consultation with the local community and the Technical Advisory Committee, develop and implement a village development plan in line with the District and the National Development Plan and any other development projects.
The community emphasizes the importance of autonomy in managing and utilizing funds derived from natural resources. They believe that they should have the sole authority to decide how these funds are used, without interference from the government.
“The community’s primary goal is to use these resources to improve their household economies and address issues like high living costs, especially in areas surrounding wildlife. They see these funds as a means to support their immediate needs and well-being, rather than solely aligning with government-driven development agendas.”
