Tachila - a tourism destination in the making

Jerry Bungu | Friday November 2, 2007 00:00

Tourism and nature conservation has been boosted by the establishment of Tachila Nature Conservation Trust that will keep game, an environmental education centre, mining and cultural museum and of course the natural scenery of the north eastern part of the country. The Minister for Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Kitso Mokaila officially launched Tachila Nature Reserve Trust in Gaborone this week. The nature reserve is to be developed some five kilometres east of Francistown on a 8, 000 hectare plot donated by Tati Company. Soliciting support from the corporate sector, the chairman of the board of trustees, Ogomoditse Maruapula, said the Tachila Nature Reserve is a broad-based community initiative. 'This presents an opportunity for corporate engagement. I can assure you all that, your corporate and social investments in Tachila will yield conspicuous and sustainable dividends,' said Maruapula.

He further said the auspicious launch of the trust in Gaborone was meant to secure commitment towards the implementation and sustainability of the reserve and its essential components. The aim of the reserve is to preserve the natural habitat in order to promote natural resources conservation, environmental education and eco-tourism for the people of Botswana. Minister Mokaila said the project was in line with the recently approved Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Policy. He said the policy was adopted in recognition of the role communities can play in the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

'I assure you that my ministry will play its role as facilitator and advisor during the implementation of your project,' the minister promised.

He added that the promoters of the project should be prepared to spend much of their time and resources in the planning and execution of the project.

'The history of community owned and managed projects in Botswana is not a very bright one. Many initiatives have failed despite the support from government and other development partners. I believe we have learnt a lot from the past and we should be prepared to avoid mistakes in the future,' Mokaila advised.

He further said overstocking of the reserve should be avoided at all costs if the reserve is to retain its ecological integrity.

'Adherence to the management plan, especially the prescribed stocking rates, is therefore to the sustainability of the area,' minister Mokaila said. He appealed to the private sector, the local authorities and individuals to give the initiative generous support.

'This is a project of national significance and therefore we all have a stake in it. It has the potential to transform Francistown to be one of the prime destinations for tourism,' Mokaila commented.