Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Deputy Director, Ingrid Chite has called for the adoption of systems that close the loop on resource use and move away from the traditional “take, make, and dispose” model.
Speaking during the 2nd Annual Sustainable Recycling and Waste Management Summit that was held in Kasane this week, Chite said the shift towards a circular and low-carbon economy requires innovation both technological and behavioural.
Chite highlighted that the summit offers a valuable platform for exploring emerging technologies, exchanging experiences, and building partnerships that can drive this transformation.
“It is through such collaborations that we can accelerate progress towards sustainable waste management systems that support economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection,” she said.
Chite stated that Botswana like many other countries continues to face growing challenges related to urbanisation, industrialisation, and changing consumption patterns, all of which contribute to increase waste generation. She pointed that within these challenges lie opportunities to innovate, create green jobs, and build a circular economy that minimises waste and maximises value from our resources.
According to Chite, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, working with key stakeholders, continues to advance the national agenda on sustainable waste management.
Chite added that this includes the development and implementation of policies and frameworks that encourage waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, as well as the adoption of environmentally sound technologies.
She noted that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for collaboration between public and private sectors, community-based organisations, and the informal sector recognising that effective waste management is not the responsibility of government alone, but a shared responsibility.
“We are also working closely with local authorities to strengthen waste collection systems, improve recycling infrastructure, and promote community awareness and participation.
Such efforts are in line with Vision 2036, the National Development Plan 12, and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production,” Chite said.
Chite has further emphasised that the theme — “Environmental Quality Improvement: Harnessing Novel Advances in Recycling and Waste Management” — is both timely and forward-looking. It challenges us to rethink how we produce, consume, and manage waste in ways that promote a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.
For his part, Rolink Noble Health (Pty) Ltd, Director Boniface Madieletsa has encouraged the delegates to submit their inputs to the Issues and Recommendations Paper that will emerged from the Summit. He pointed that the document will serve as a collective voice a roadmap for action to guide policy and practice going forward.
Meanwhile, the goal of the summit that was organized by Rolink Noble Health (Pty) Ltd was to bring together policymakers, experts, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and promote sustainable waste management and circular economy practices.
