Minister of Environment and Tourism Highlights Tourism’s Economic Importance in Parakarungu. Minister of Environment and Tourism, Hon. Wynter Mmolotsi, addressed residents of Parakarungu today, emphasizing the vital role tourism plays in Botswana’s economic landscape. During his speech, he reaffirmed that tourism is the second-largest contributor to the nation’s economy, following diamonds. He outlined how both the tourism and minerals sectors are pivotal in driving Botswana’s economic growth and sustainability.
One of the key issues raised by the Minister was the ongoing review of Botswana’s forest reserves. The government is exploring ways to unlock the full potential of these areas, with a focus on enhancing tourism opportunities and creating jobs. Mmolotsi stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits from these reserves extend to local communities while maintaining a strong commitment to conservation and responsible land use.
In addition to this, the Minister shared plans to expand Botswana’s network of wildlife bases beyond the current locations in Kachikau and Lesoma. This initiative aims to address the increasing challenges of human-wildlife conflict by improving rapid response capabilities. The expansion is designed to strike a balance between community safety and the preservation of the nation’s rich wildlife heritage.
Minister Mmolotsi’s address underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging tourism and natural resources in a sustainable manner, ensuring long-term benefits for both the economy and local communities. His remarks reflected a broader strategy to diversify Botswana’s economic base while prioritizing environmental conservation and community welfare.
