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.
