KGDEP Nears Completion as Technical Team Evaluates Project Impact. The Kgalagadi Ghanzi Drylands Ecosystem Project (KGDEP) is approaching its final phase, with a technical team conducting field assessments to evaluate its progress and long-term sustainability. Implemented by Botswana’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism in collaboration with UNDP Botswana, the seven-year project has been funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to improve human-wildlife coexistence, support agro-ecosystems, and curb illegal wildlife trade in the Kgalagadi and Ghanzi drylands.
As part of the evaluation process, the KGDEP Technical Reference Group (TRG) has begun a three-day field visit to assess project sites and engage with local communities. The visit started in Hukuntsi District, where team members reviewed community-led initiatives supported by the project.
One of the key stops was the Masetlheng Eco-Tourism Project, a venture managed by the Nqwaa Khobe Xeya Conservation Trust. The project, serving the communities of Ngwatle, Ukhwi, and Ncaang, includes five campsites with ablution facilities. It is designed to promote eco-tourism while providing sustainable income opportunities for local residents.
The assessment continued in Zutshwa, where the team visited the Range Management Restoration Site and the Zutshwa Salt Project. These initiatives have been instrumental in promoting sustainable land use and enhancing local livelihoods. Community members expressed appreciation for the support received through KGDEP, highlighting its impact on economic and environmental sustainability.
