Mmolotsi was addressing delegates at the Okavango Conservation Science Symposium in Maun last week. He emphasised the critical role played by science, regional collaboration, and community involvement in safeguarding the Okavango Delta.
In a virtual address because he could not travel to Maun due to the Gaborone floods, Mmolotsi emphasised the importance of scientific research in shaping conservation decisions.
He noted that the symposium serves as an important platform for advancing interdisciplinary research and building a robust national research agenda.
“Scientific research is the foundation of effective conservation,” he stated.
“The new government in the new Botswana is committed to supporting interdisciplinary research and fostering stronger collaboration between scientists and policymakers.
“Research-driven decision-making is essential to ensure the long-term protection of the Okavango Delta and other conservation areas in Botswana.”
Mmolotsi highlighted the interconnectedness of the Okavango Delta with the rest of the Okavango basin, which spans Botswana, Angola, and Namibia. He stressed the need for continued regional collaboration to ensure sustainable water management and ecological protection.
“The Okavango Delta is not an isolated system. It depends on the health of the entire Cubango-Okavango River Basin.
“The government of Botswana is committed to working with our fellow brothers and sisters in Angola and Namibia to ensure the sustainable use of the shared water resources that sustain the Delta.”
Mmolotsi also said there is a need to involve local communities and the next generation of scientists in conservation efforts. He called for the integration of indigenous knowledge into conservation strategies and as well as for the empowerment of young Batswana to participate in scientific research and environmental stewardship.
“Conservation cannot succeed without the involvement of local communities and the youth,” he said.
“Indigenous knowledge must be integrated into conservation strategies, and young Batswana must be empowered to take an active role in scientific research and environmental stewardship.”
Mmolotsi stressed that the protection of the Okavango Delta is a collective responsibility. He called for stronger partnerships between policymakers, local communities, NGOs, researchers, and the private sector to ensure the Delta’s preservation for future generations.
“Effective safeguarding of the Delta cannot be done by a single entity,” he said.
“It requires the collective collaboration of all stakeholders and individuals who appreciate the beauty of nature.
“Together, we can ensure that the Okavango Delta remains a beacon of biodiversity and a source of pride for Botswana and the world.”
The minister praised the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP) for its transformative contributions to conservation in the region. He commended their ground-breaking storytelling work in documenting biodiversity, hydrology, and ecological dynamics, as well as their efforts to advocate for transboundary conservation and empower local communities through storytelling.
“The National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project has elevated Botswana’s conservation leadership on the world stage,” he said.
“Their films, podcasts, and global outreach efforts, such as Into the Okavango, Nkashi: Race for the Okavango, and the Guardians of the River podcast, have not only raised awareness but also inspired action to protect this precious ecosystem.”
The event was organised by the Nkashi Trust, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP) and Okavango Eternal (a partnership between De Beers and National Geographic), as a platform for sharing knowledge, strengthening partnerships, and fostering innovation in conservation science.
The symposium brought together policymakers, researchers, conservationists, and local stakeholders to discuss ‘the state of conservation science in the Okavango Delta’. The event covered issues under five thematic sessions of Ecology, Human Wildlife Coexistence, Traditional Knowledge & Natural Resource, and Geosciences.
