Botswanas tourism model remains one of Africas most admired a balance of luxury, wilderness and conservation success. Speaking at the recent World Travel and Tourism Council Summit in Rome, Botswanas Minister of Environment and Tourism, Boipuso Wynter Mmolotsi , reaffirmed his governments commitment to a model that has long defined the countrys identity.
Our approach has always been one of coexistence not competition, said Mmolotsi. Nearly half of our land is devoted to wildlife and our community-based conservation programmes have allowed people to benefit directly from protecting nature.
He pointed to Botswanas Community-Based Natural Resource Management programme: an initiative that empowers local communities to manage wildlife resources and benefit from tourism. From leasing land to safari operators to running community-owned camps, the programme has helped build schools, clinics and livelihoods while instilling a culture of conservation among rural populations.