National CBNRM Secretariat
KCS has taken over as the Secretariat of the National CBNRM Forum with effect from July 2007. Previously IUCN was the Secretariat and when they relocated to South Africa they handed over to us.
The main objective of the National CBNRM Forum is to provide a platform for broad stakeholder dialogue and co-operation on Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) in Botswana.
Sub-objectives
further the development of CBNRM in Botswana
-
pursue sustainable development and wise use of natural resources
-
monitor and support CBNRM policy and programme implementation
-
improve stakeholder co-operation
-
support CBNRM research and information dissemination
-
raise awareness on CBNRM
Functions
review relevant legislation, policies and programmes
-
develop a vision for CBNRM in Botswana
-
promote debate on key CBNRM issues
-
contribute to rationalisation / harmonisation of CBNRM strategies
-
exchange information / experiences amongst stakeholders
-
liaise with CBNRM District Fora, (inter)ministerial and other bodies
-
organise biennial National Conference on CBNRM
-
co-ordinate implementation of conference recommendations
Membership
The forum comprises membership of stakeholders from the following categories:
Government, NGOs, CBOs, Private Sector / Parastatals, Academic / Research Institutions and International Cooperating Partners. The categories shall be represented in an equitable manner whereby the Donor Community members shall have the status of observers.
Operations
The forum operates through National Working Groups (NWG’s). Currently there are six NWG’s
Training Working Group
-
Performance Monitoring WG
-
MOMS WG
-
Community Enterprise WG
-
Policy WG
-
CBO Organisational Development WG
Funding
The activities of the forum are funded by the WWF Southern Africa Regional Programme.
CBNRM Projects
The KCS is involved in five CBO projects, these are;
Moremi – Manonnye Trust: Been renovating the ablution block with the funding obtained from Y-CARE Trust. A new campsite will also be developed in the near future.
Nata Bird Sanctuary: Reviewing the management plan of the sanctuary. This is currently being undertaken by Ecosystem Solutions for Africa. It is expected that the final management plan will be complete by the 16th of July 2008.
Also the Sanctuary is to be fenced in the near future as consultations are underway with the communities on this issue. The fencing is expected to cost in the region of P5 - P7 million and funding is currently being sought by the MEWT and the BTB.
Gchwihaba Caverns: Funding has been secured for two projects in the area. The construction of a gate house, camp site and ablution block will commence after the designs have been finalized. This is being funded by GEF/SGP to the tune of USD 37,000.00.
Another development is the drilling of boreholes to provide water for the animals in NG4. The community is being mobilised to change from hunting to photographic safari and have secured a P400, 000.00 funding from CTF.
Lepokole Hills (Mapanda Trust): Funding has been secured from CCF to fund the construction of a gate house, ablution block and camping sites. The funding is to the tune of P245, 000.00. The project is awaiting release of funds and finalization of designs.
As per the management plan of the hills, the site is to be fenced in order to make way for the restocking of the area. Hence BTB and MEWT are working on modalities of securing funding. It is expected that the fencing will cost the same amount of money as the Nata Sanctuary.