Mmadinare Development Trust implored to boost tourism industry

Onalenna Kelebeile | Monday October 6, 2014 07:39

He explained that CBNRMP was founded on the premise that community members share an interest in improving livelihoods through sustainable management and utilisation of natural resources. He emphasised the need to protect biodiversity and eco systems, to ensure that they are balanced with improvement to rural livelihoods and reduce poverty. “It is through this policy that Community Based Organisations such as Mmadinare Development Trust are encouraged and supported. I am happy that the Trust exists and is fully operational hence I encourage the board of trustees to continuously pursue strategies that will bring positive returns on investments for the trust,” he said.

Mochanang said tourism could prosper if it is aligned with social values such as participation, education and enhanced local governance. “There can be no real tourism development if such development damages the values and culture of the host communities or if the socio economic benefits generated by the tourism sector do not trickle down to the community level,” he said.

Mochanang noted that natural resources and wildlife are the foundation of the country’s tourism industry. He pointed out that community involvement in the management of natural resources is important for long term sustainability of the tourism sector. “The opportunity to become part of the tourism value chain involves host communities in the development process. In such an instance, tourism becomes a catalyst of social cohesion.  Its positive economic effects then enhance local governance capabilities,” he said.

Mochanang acknowledged tourism ‘s capacity to respond to global challenges, adding that consolidation of tourism’s economic influence had improved its social responsibility and political relevance. Many countries have allocated a stronger mandate to tourism in economic and development policy planning. He further said tourism had experienced continued growth and deepening diversification, to pinnacle as one of the fastest growing sectors globally. 

He indicated that tourism is the second largest contributor to Botswana’s GDP, having contributed approximately P5.2 billion in the last financial year. “Accommodation facilities in Botswana created 11,372 employment opportunities during the last financial year with 89 percent jobs for citizens and 11 percent for non citizens. There is need to mainstream tourism into the National and District Development Plans due to its economic influence in the economy,” he said.