Botswana and South Africa Launch EU-Backed Conservation Initiative for Kalahari Park

Botswana and South Africa Launch EU-Backed Conservation Initiative for Kalahari Park. Botswana and South Africa have launched a new European Union supported initiative aimed at strengthening the joint management of the Kalahari Transfrontier Park, one of Southern Africa’s major conservation areas.

The initiative was officially launched in Gaborone by Wynter Boipuso Mmolotsi during an event held at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism Gardens.

The project is funded by the European Union through the SADC TFCA Financing Facility. It is being executed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in partnership with African Parks under a public private partnership model.

Speaking at the launch, Mmolotsi described the initiative as an important step toward strengthening regional cooperation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, and economic transformation within the Kalahari region.

He said the Kalahari Transfrontier Park remains historically significant as Southern Africa’s first Transfrontier Conservation Area, established in 2000 following a bilateral agreement signed by former Botswana president Festus Gontebanye Mogae and former South African president Thabo Mbeki.

Mmolotsi also thanked the European Union for its continued support for conservation and sustainable development projects in the region. He said the initiative demonstrates confidence in the conservation efforts of both Botswana and South Africa.

According to the minister, the project aligns with Botswana’s Economic Transformation Plan, which identifies tourism as a key sector for economic diversification and growth. He said the initiative is expected to support sustainable tourism development, infrastructure improvements, local business growth, job creation, and increased citizen participation in tourism and conservation activities.

The minister further stressed the importance of involving communities living near protected areas, saying conservation initiatives are more effective when surrounding communities benefit economically.