Botswana’s Conservation Success Spurs Urgent Rethink on Human-Wildlife Coexistence and Tourism Susta
Botswana’s international reputation as a conservation powerhouse is drawing critical scrutiny as the country faces mounting pressure to balance its celebrated biodiversity with the safety and livelihoods of its people. The challenge took center stage at a recent International Parliamentary Roundtable on human-wildlife coexistence, held in Gaborone on January 19, where decision-makers addressed the escalating conflicts between rural communities and iconic wildlife.
Mr Gabatsholwe Disho, chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Wildlife, Tourism, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, highlighted that Botswana’s elephant population—estimated at over 132,000, the largest in the world— along with its well-preserved wilderness, has earned global acclaim. Yet, these conservation victories have intensified friction in regions like Ngamiland, Chobe, and Ghanzi as wildlife increasingly encroaches into farmlands and settlements. This trend, exacerbated by drought and shrinking habitats linked to climate change, has led to widespread crop destruction, livestock predation, and even human casualties.
Farmers, Disho noted, lose thousands of hectares to elephants and other species each year, pushing many households into food insecurity. Livestock losses to predators, including lions and hyenas, continue to undermine rural economies, while tragic incidents involving wildlife have resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries in recent years. The Department of Wildlife recorded more than 25,000 human-wildlife conflict incidents over the past three years, with 28 fatalities and 51 injuries—figures that represent a daily reality for many families living at the front lines of conservation.
Mr Disho called for urgent and inclusive action, advocating for stronger policies and community participation. He encouraged the adoption of fair compensation schemes, the establishment of wildlife corridors, and the implementation of land-use planning that balances ecological preservation with human safety. Revitalising the Community-Based Natural Resource Management Bill is a priority, empowering communities to become active partners in conservation and tourism management. He also stressed that addressing the climate component of these conflicts demands a cross-sectoral response, integrating conservation, land use, and climate resilience strategies.
Ms Helen Manyeneng, acting Speaker of the National Assembly, reinforced Botswana’s global standing in conservation, underscoring the country’s status as host to the world’s largest elephant population—now approaching 140,000. She acknowledged, however, the complex reality facing communities living in proximity to wildlife. Predators threaten livestock and livelihoods, while elephants are responsible for frequent crop and infrastructure damage, adding layers of economic and safety concerns. While compensation mechanisms exist, rising incident rates and costs are placing significant strain on national resources.
Ms Manyeneng emphasized the vital role of balanced, long-term policies and the responsibility of parliamentarians to mediate between citizen concerns and state priorities. The goal is to craft workable solutions through legislation, dialogue, and robust oversight, ensuring that conservation success does not come at the expense of local well-being.
International perspectives were shared by Dr Jonathan Murphy, head of the Inter Pares programme at International IDEA, who highlighted the value of peer-to-peer exchanges, capacity building, and regional cooperation in strengthening democratic institutions. The Inter Pares initiative, supported by the EU, is driven by the priorities of partner parliaments and aims to bolster transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. Botswana’s experience, Murphy noted, offers lessons for other regions grappling with the intersection of environmental protection, economic development, and social equity.
For African tourism professionals, Botswana’s situation underscores the complexity of managing high-profile conservation areas. As wildlife tourism remains a cornerstone of Botswana’s economy and international brand, the sector must innovate to address coexistence challenges. Effective community engagement, transparent compensation, and integrated land-use planning will be essential for sustaining both biodiversity and human prosperity. The path forward will require adaptive management, investment in local capacity, and policy frameworks that reflect the realities of a changing climate and shifting rural economies.
Botswana’s evolving approach offers a blueprint for other African destinations seeking to balance conservation with inclusive, sustainable tourism growth—proving that global recognition must go hand-in-hand with local solutions.
