22/06/2026
Botswana has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable rangeland management and climate-resilient livestock production during the Global Private Sector Forum on Sustainable Rangelands and Livestock Systems under the GEF-7 Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Programme (DSL-IP), held in Gaborone today.
Addressing delegates from around the world, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Honourable Wynter Boipuso Mmolotsi, highlighted the critical role of sustainable rangelands in supporting food security, biodiversity conservation, economic growth, climate resilience and rural livelihoods.
With rangelands covering approximately 57 percent of Botswana's landmass, the Minister noted that these ecosystems are central to the country's livestock industry and rural economy but remain vulnerable to climate change, recurrent droughts and land degradation.
Minister Mmolotsi outlined several initiatives aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and improving resilience, including the Green Climate Fund-supported Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation Project in Ngamiland, Kgalagadi and Bobirwa districts, as well as the Herding for Health Programme in Habu. The Sustainable MiomboβMopane Landscape Management Project was also highlighted for promoting sustainable land and forest management in the TutumeβMosetse and Chobe districts.
Botswana's efforts are guided by key national frameworks, including Land Degradation Neutrality targets, the National Action Programme to Combat Desertification and the National Land Restoration Strategy 2024β2030.
The Minister also underscored the country's investment in science and technology through the establishment of a Land Degradation Monitoring System and a Geographic Information System laboratory, developed with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the UNCCD Global Mechanism.
He emphasized that addressing land degradation requires strong partnerships among governments, communities, the private sector and development partners.
The Minister acknowledged the support of organisations such as the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, FAO, UNDP, IUCN, GIZ and Conservation International in advancing restoration and sustainable land management efforts.
The forum which will end on Friday 26th June is expected to generate practical recommendations on sustainable financing, business models and community-led restoration initiatives ahead of COP17, where Botswana will contribute to global discussions on combating land degradation and strengthening climate resilience.