Botswana launches biodiversity book to address environmental threats
Botswana's Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism on Thursday launched the third Botswana Biodiversity Symposium Book under the theme "Biodiversity Mainstreaming for Healthy Ecosystems and Green Economy through Science and Technology" in the capital city Gaborone.
Officiating at the event, Minister of Tourism Philda Kereng said Botswana's biodiversity assets are under threat from loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitats.
"Recently we experienced an escalation in poaching incidents which targeted our rhino population. I regret to highlight that most of these threats are man-made. To reverse these losses, investment should go towards attaining a green economy. This will entail a reduced carbon footprint, enhanced energy efficiency, and prevention of the loss of biodiversity," said Kereng.
She further said Botswana has invested heavily on taxonomy and biodiversity to guide legislation and policy formulation.
Botswana Biodiversity Symposium lays out the fundamental changes needed in policy, institutions and mindset needed to transform Botswana from an economy based around extractive industries to one based on competitiveness, productivity, efficiency and openness to the world.
The symposium also responds to the government's transformational agenda as espoused in President Mokgweetsi Masisi's roadmap and indeed the National Vision 2036 to make Botswana a knowledge-based economy that can compete on an equal footing with global counterparts. (Xinhua)
