The revitalization of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) is now underway as part of the National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan, which aims to increase the sector’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, announced the launch of the project in Kgalagadi on Thursday.
The initiative is funded by the European Union under the NaturAfrica Global Gateway flagship initiative for Transfrontier Conservation Areas in the SADC region. Additional funding is provided by the Dezzy Foundation through the Global Wildlife Fund.
African Parks is implementing the project in partnership with the IUCN and in collaboration with the Government of Botswana.
“The project to revitalize our Kalahari Transfrontier Park comes at the right time when we are pursuing a diversified economy through tourism development as espoused in our National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan,” Mmolotsi emphasized.
With the European Union’s support, the minister expressed confidence that the ministry will successfully boost tourism revenue.
“Our Ministry commits to ensure that this project is a success. We will be working closely with African Parks and all district authorities to ensure that we achieve all project deliverables within the set timeframes,” he assured.
Mmolotsi indicated that the project will fund the creation of a tourism development plan, a community development plan, a park management plan, and infrastructure upgrades within and around the park. He noted that practical progress is already being made on firebreaks.
“The airstrip has been rehabilitated, and works are ongoing on the fence and fixing of park vehicles. This is all thanks to African Parks, an important partner we have brought on board to help in implementing the EU-funded project on our behalf,” he added.
According to the minister, the management plans developed under phase one will provide clear, data-driven guidance on sustainably exploring the park for both tourism and community advancement.
“We are focused on getting more revenues out of the park, and also focused on ensuring that surrounding communities get more out of the park, but this process must be informed and must be balanced with the need for ecosystem integrity,” he emphasized.
Mmolotsi thanked the European Union for its continued support of Botswana’s environmental and development goals, calling the bloc a longstanding and reliable partner. He stated the project demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainable tourism and community growth.
Meanwhile, Mmolotsi indicated that the ministry will work closely with South Africa as co-managers of the transfrontier park.
“Together, we share the success of this project. Through our joint management of the KTP, we continue to demonstrate what can be achieved when nations and partners work together toward a common purpose of protecting our natural heritage while creating opportunities for present and future generations,” he concluded.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is located in the southern Kalahari Desert, straddling the border between southwest Botswana (Kgalagadi District) and northwest South Africa (Northern Cape Province). Roughly three-quarters of the 38,000-square-kilometer park lies in Botswana, with the remaining quarter in South Africa.
