Overview

The Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism is a cabinet-level department in Botswana responsible for managing the country’s environment, wildlife resources, and tourism industry. It was established to coordinate national efforts around conservation, tourism development, and environmental protection under one administrative framework.

Over the years, the ministry’s structure and name have evolved, reflecting Botswana’s growing emphasis on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Mandate and Core Functions

The ministry’s mandate covers a broad range of responsibilities focused on environmental management, wildlife conservation, and sustainable tourism. Its main roles include:

1. Wildlife Conservation and Management

Through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), the ministry oversees conservation and sustainable use of Botswana’s wildlife resources.
It manages national parks and game reserves, enforces wildlife laws, regulates hunting and trade in wildlife species, and addresses human–wildlife conflicts.

2. Forestry and Range Resources

The Department of Forestry and Range Resources promotes the protection, rehabilitation, and sustainable use of forest and rangeland ecosystems. It also implements policies related to land degradation and vegetation management.

3. Tourism Development

The Department of Tourism is tasked with developing and promoting tourism as a key economic sector. It focuses on eco-friendly tourism, diversification of tourism products, and ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activities.

4. Environmental Protection and Climate Services

The ministry’s environmental arms, including the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Waste Management and Pollution Control, work to manage pollution, regulate waste, and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
The Department of Meteorological Services supports climate monitoring and early warning systems.

5. Cultural Heritage and Museums

Through the Department of National Museum and Monuments, the ministry also manages Botswana’s cultural heritage, museums, and national monuments, preserving them for education and tourism.

6. Research, Education, and Public Engagement

The ministry facilitates research on conservation and environmental management, issues permits for wildlife and environmental studies, and promotes environmental awareness and education programs.

Structure

The Ministry consists of several key departments and units:

Department of Environmental Affairs

Department of Waste Management and Pollution Control

Department of Meteorological Services

Department of Forestry and Range Resources

Department of Wildlife and National Parks

Department of Tourism

Department of National Museum and Monuments

Corporate and Support Services Divisions

Protected Areas and Conservation Work

Botswana’s Ministry manages an extensive network of protected areas that make up roughly 17% of the country’s land. These include major parks such as Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans.

The ministry works with local communities through community-based natural resource management programs, allowing residents to benefit economically from conservation initiatives such as eco-tourism and wildlife utilization.

Key Policies and Strategies

Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act (1992) provides the main legal framework for managing wildlife and protected areas.

Ecotourism Strategy encourages sustainable tourism that minimizes environmental impact.

Research and Conservation Strategies guide scientific studies and wildlife monitoring efforts to inform policy decisions.

The ministry also aligns with global frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and other environmental treaties.

Challenges

The Ministry faces ongoing challenges that include:

Managing human–wildlife conflict, especially in regions with dense elephant populations.

Balancing conservation goals with community livelihoods.

Addressing issues of climate change, deforestation, and land degradation.

Coordinating effectively across multiple departments and sectors to implement national environmental policies.

Institutions and Collaborations

The ministry works closely with related institutions and organizations, including:

Botswana Tourism Organisation, which markets and promotes the country as a tourism destination.

Botswana Wildlife Training Institute, which trains personnel in wildlife management and guiding.

Community Trusts involved in community-based conservation and tourism projects.

International Partners through conservation, climate, and biodiversity conventions.