US Ambassador to Botswana Michelle Gavin said at her country's 237th Independence celebrations last Thursday, that "America is establishing a solid partnership with different arms of Botswana's government in confronting a new and growing challenge - wildlife poaching. We are busy determining how best to support innovative programs to stop poaching in its tracks, and to ensure that one of this nation's greatest legacies - its wildlife - remains for generations to come". The announcement comes at a time when elephant poaching has reached its highest in many years.
Gavin revealed that the US is also engaged in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV). "GBV is an ugly stain on this nation's social fabric that must be brought under the bright light of greater awareness and understanding, and then eliminated through community engagement and legal force," she said.She added that the US government is assisting Botswana find ways to diversify its economy. "From helping Botswana reduce the time and cost of trading across borders, to helping develop efficient and reliable energy solutions, we stand ready to work with the government and private sector to help preserve and expand this nation's remarkable economic success," she said.
