Africa-Press – Botswana. Batswana have been advised to continue safeguarding the pristine ecosystem and the wildlife of the Okavango Delta for the future generations.
The call was made by Kgosi Leretetse Mogalakwe during the Botswana Guides Association (BOGA) meeting on November 17.
He said the delta supported large concentration of animals on both permanent and seasonal basis and through careful wildlife management, the delta had become one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife.
Local communities, he said should also recognise and appreciate efforts and contribution made by their forefathers towards the protection and good management of the rich ecosystem hence they should as well maintain their legacy.
“The delta still remains intact as the wildlife is varied and plentiful thanks to rich ecosystem and protection by our late chiefs under the visionary leadership of Kgosi Elizabeth Pulane-Moremi. If it was not them, organisations such as department of wildlife and tourism would not be in existence. We should remember them and appreciate the historical role they played towards some development in the country for our benefit,” he added.
He said Kgosi Pulane- Moremi, played a critical role in the establishment of the Moremi Game Reserve in 1963, presently benefiting members of the association and the communities in the tourism industry.
He said after careful consideration of the toll hunting had on the animal population Kgosi Pulane- Moremi took steps to conserve wildlife hence the place had become one of the most pristine safari paradise.
Kgosi Mogalakwe said the preservation of the natural resources had ensured sustainable development of the nation over the time and called on Batswana at large to continue protecting the country’s precious creations of nature to benefit upcoming generation.
He also appreciated the founder of BOGA, Mr Kenson Kgaga for having made a significant lasting contribution to Botswana’s tourism industry.
He acknowledged that Mr Kgaga was the first Motswana tour guide, mobile safari operator and noted that through the association, he promoted citizen participation in the industry which was dominated by foreigners.
“The association started small but today it has grown big and promoted development of locally based tour and safari industry in the country whose goal is to increase the employment and tourism investment opportunities for local people,” he added
BOGA chairman, Mr Peace Shamuka also appreciated the association for making a notable progress towards contribution to the development of the wildlife and tourism industry and conservation of Botswana’s natural resources.
The association, he said had provided employment opportunities for its members and local people, adding that it has also enhanced competition amongst local companies.
He said tourism was one of the biggest sectors in the country and the association saw it fit to support and empower locals so that they benefit from the natural resources to improve their livelihoods citing that currently 290 companies had been registered.
“This is a huge number and it is pleasing as majority are running thriving tourism activities and which created employment opportunities for youth. Through the association, we are fighting unemployment,” he added.
However, Mr Shamuka mentioned some challenges hindering their day to day operations such as poor road infrastructure into wildlife protected areas.
While he appreciated government efforts to provide graders, he said called for improvement of the said roads.
The government, he said should also address all challenges facing the association so that they could run their run businesses successfully and grow the tourism industry.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
