Botswana launches SWM Legal Hub to strengthen wildlife conservation and management

Gaborone – The Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme in Botswana officially launched the SWM Programme Legal Hub for Botswana on 11 March 2025 in Gaborone. The event was officiated by the Honourable Winter Boipuso Mmolotsi, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, and attended by key stakeholders, including the European Union (EU), the French Development Agency (AFD) the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), national partners such as Wild Entrust Africa and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks among others.

This innovative initiative aims to strengthen the legal framework for managing and conserving Botswana’s rich biodiversity. The SWM Programme Legal Hub will play a key role in advancing the country’s commitment to sustainable wildlife management, by facilitating the public understating of the enabling legal framework and ensuring that the country’s natural resources are protected for future generations.

Recognized globally as a leader in biodiversity conservation, Botswana has long worked to balance environmental stewardship with socio-economic growth. The launch of the Legal Hub marks an important milestone in this ongoing journey, particularly as the nation faces growing challenges from climate change and environmental degradation.

Minister of Environment and Tourism, Honourable Winter Boipuso Mmolotsi     

In his keynote address, Minister Mmolotsi underscored the urgent need for a robust and accessible legal framework to guide wildlife conservation efforts. He acknowledged that climate change, population growth, and other environmental factors are putting increasing strain on the country’s wildlife. “Wildlife conservation is not merely a moral imperative but a critical economic driver for Botswana,” said Mmolotsi. “Our wildlife-based tourism is a cornerstone of our economy, contributing substantially to our GDP and providing employment opportunities for local communities. A strong legal framework ensures we can protect these vital resources while fostering economic growth.”

The SWM Programme Legal Hub, designed as a "one Stop legal shop" for Botswana’s natural resource management laws and policies, offers easy access to comprehensive legal information on wildlife management, including legislation on hunting, land tenure, and animal health. The Legal Hub also includes an analysis of the statutory legal frameworks, which is reviewed and validated by the government, that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of existing laws. The Hub is a vital resource for policymakers, conservationists, communities, and investors, facilitating more effective decision-making and sustainable wildlife management practices.

The development and launch of the Legal Hub is the culmination of extensive collaboration between various government departments, including the Ministries of Environment and Tourism, Lands and Agriculture, and Health, as well as non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and international partners. This joint effort has been instrumental in ensuring that the Legal Hub consolidates legal resources and corresponding analysis covering a range of topics critical to effective wildlife management.

The SWM Programme is part of a broader EU-funded biodiversity and food security initiative, which spans 15 countries, including four of the five countries in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), the world’s largest transfrontier conservation. These countries are Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In Botswana, the SWM Programme has focused on empowering local communities in regions like western Ngamiland, where communities such as Habu, Tubu, and Nokaneng have been actively involved in sustainable wildlife management and ecotourism.

French Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Olivier Brochenin

International partners have also lauded Botswana’s leadership in wildlife conservation. The French Ambassador to Botswana remarked that the launch of the Legal Hub aligns with both the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, underscoring the global importance of preserving biodiversity and reversing the loss of natural ecosystems. “The SWM Programme is an exemplary model of integrating legal frameworks with biodiversity conservation goals. By consolidating relevant legal instruments into a single accessible platform, Botswana has set a new standard for wildlife management in Africa and beyond,” the Ambassador noted.

The FAO, which is a lead partner in the implementation of the SWM Programme, reiterated its commitment to supporting Botswana’s sustainable development goals. "This initiative demonstrates Botswana's unwavering commitment to creating a conducive environment for sustainable natural resource management,” said Carla Mucavi, FAO Representative in Botswana. “By equipping stakeholders with the necessary legal tools, we are paving the way for more effective wildlife management and stronger community engagement.”

The Mayor of Gaborone City, His Worship Oarabile Motlaleng commended the SWM Programme, noting that while it is implemented in NG8 within the Okavango District, it provides valuable insights that extend far beyond this geographic scope. “These lessons are relevant for cities like Gaborone, which must integrate conservation efforts into urban planning to foster a harmonious coexistence between people and nature,” he said. 

FAO Representative in Botswana, Carla Mucavi     

The launch of the SWM Legal Hub represents a strategic initiative designed to position Botswana as a global leader in sustainable wildlife management. The Legal Hub will serve as a vital tool for all stakeholders in the conservation sector. In doing so, it will enable better decision-making and facilitate greater collaboration between government, civil society, the private sector, and local communities, ensuring that Botswana’s wildlife resources are managed responsibly and sustainably.