Environmental policy and administrative management

Khwai is situated north of Moremi Game Researve, and south west of the Chobe National Park. It is part of a controlled hunting area (CHAs) NG 18 and 19. Khwai itself is is on NG 19, where three other leases are operational. Most residents depend on hunting and gathering for subsistence, supplemented by the sale of thatching grass and crafts. Natural resources are abundant in the CHAs, but excessive use has led to the decimation of wildlife populations especially in NG 18. The goal of this community project is to improve the livelihoods of the residents of Khwai through sustainable natural resources management. The project will assist the community in building their capacity to manage NG 18 and 19. A secondary goal is to demonstrate an interest group driven approach to eco-tourism development and community based natural resource management. Planned activities for the project are to strengthen institutions and organisations that will implement the project; develop economic interest groups based on skills available in the community; train participating residents to add value to their different economic activities; assist in palnning for the sustainable use of NG 18 and 19; and to prepare plans to address health and other social problems in the village. The project also introduces the concept of`individual bebefit` in community based natural resource management. Presently community based projects promote community benefit.

Botswana