Environmental policy and administrative management

Bathoen Dam Nature Sanctuary Management Trust (BDNSMT) was legally registered in 2001 and is in the process of being given a lease for the Bathoen Sanctuary by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. The rights conferred thereof will allow the community to sustainably utilise the natural resources therein and accrue benefits. In a quest to equip themselves with skills that will be much needed during the full project implementation, the community wants to learn from their peers who are already in the CBNRM system. This project aims for community members to undertake a look-and-learn tour to established communities. The look-and-learn tour will enable BDNSMT community to link conservation based natural resources maanagement within their area to improvement of their livelihoods and development. Through exchange and sharing of information and ideas with other CBOs, they will be able to learn about tourism ventures, activities and the required business skills to run/manage such business enterprises. This will promote the feeling of ownership of the resources and the project as they will see the development projects and tangible benefits emanating from the sustainable utilisation of natural resources. Through the diverse projects the communities will be able to appreciate the hands on experience for a successful project. During the tour the communit ywill visit a game ranch, a bird sanctuary, eco-tourism and avi-tourism projects, and a water based tourism project. After the tour there will be a report back Kgotla meeting and project ideas and concept will be consolidated.

Botswana