Botswana- International treaties – RAMSAR
RATIFIED INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS
Botswana
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (RAMSAR)
Art.1-1
The legal framework provides for definitions (of key terms) identical in wording or effect as those set out in Article 1 (in particular "wetland" and "waterfowl").
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Wildlife Policy, 2013
Para 2.4.7 (extract): The Policy advocates for the following land uses and categories to be distinguished, defined and gazetted: [...] (e) Important Bird Areas being key habitats for birds that require protection and management; [...] (h) Wetland ecosystems with potential for aquatic species conservation, fishing/aquaculture and recreation. [...] |
Art.2-1
The legal framework allows for the designation of suitable wetlands within the national territory for inclusion in a List of Wetlands of International Importance, which is maintained by the bureau of the Convention, with the boundaries of each wetland precisely described and also delimited on a map.
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Botswana National Water policy, 2012
Para 6.1.11: Adopt and implement internationally recognized principles on wetlands management, among them the principles drawn from the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands of International Importance and Waterfowl Habitat. |
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Okavango Delta Management Plan (ODMP), 2008
Para 2.1.3.3: Following Botswana's accession to the Ramsar Convention, the Okavango was listed and designated as a Ramsar Site in 1997. Within the ODRS are the Tsodilo Hills which are a World Heritage Site. The site comprises the Moremi Game Reserve and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) and Communal Areas. The communal areas are further subdivided into smaller and more specific categories that include settlements, arable lands and grazing areas. |
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Wildlife Policy, 2013
Para 2.4.7 (extract): The Policy advocates for the following land uses and categories to be distinguished, defined and gazetted: [...] (h) Wetland ecosystems with potential for aquatic species conservation, fishing, aquaculture and recreation. |
Art.2-2
The legal framework allows for:
a) the selection of wetlands to be included on the List on account of their international significance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology; and
b) the inclusion in the first instance of wetlands of international importance to waterfowl in any season.
a) the selection of wetlands to be included on the List on account of their international significance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology; and
b) the inclusion in the first instance of wetlands of international importance to waterfowl in any season.
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Okavango Delta Management Plan (ODMP), 2008
Para 1.5: The Okavango Delta was selected as a wetland of international importance in accordance with the Ramsar Convention which identifies a wetland of international importance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology and limnology or hydrology. The Okavango Delta is an inland drainage system which is important for approximately 1300 plant species, 71 fish species, 33 amphibians, 64 reptiles, 444 birds and 122 mammals. The Delta also contains high densities of large mammal species particularly elephant. It is the habitat of one of the largest remaining populations of the African wild dog (Lycaonpictus) and is a stronghold for the Sitatunga antelope (Tragelaphus spekii) and the Nile crocodile (Crocodilus niloticus). One endemic reptile species, the Tsodilo Gecko (Pachydactylus tsodiloensis), has been identified. Two resident bird species, the Wattled Crane (Burgeranus carunculatus) and the Slaty Egret (Egretta vinaceiqula), are globally threatened. The currently known flora of the Okavango Delta comprises about 1300 taxa on the species and lower levels, of which 1260 taxa are on the species level. They belong to 530 genera and 134 families. One near endemic has been identified, the ground orchid (Habenaria pasmithii). |
Art.2-5
The legal framework allows:
a) adding to the List further wetlands situated within its territory and/or extending the boundaries of those wetlands already included in the List;
b) deleting and/or restricting the boundaries of wetlands already included in the List; and
c) communicating such changes to the convention bureau, at the earliest possible time.
a) adding to the List further wetlands situated within its territory and/or extending the boundaries of those wetlands already included in the List;
b) deleting and/or restricting the boundaries of wetlands already included in the List; and
c) communicating such changes to the convention bureau, at the earliest possible time.
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Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act [Chapter 38:01]
Section 15 (extract): Wildlife management areas (1) The areas specified in the Third Schedule are hereby declared to be wildlife management areas. (2) The President may, by order published in the Gazette, declare any area to be a wildlife management area, or in like manner abolish any such wildlife management area, or amend the boundaries of any such wildlife management area by adding new areas or by deleting areas.[...] |
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Okavango Delta Management Plan (ODMP), 2008
Para 2.1.2.2: The boundary of the ODRS (Figure 2-2) were rationalised in 2004 based on ecological, hydrological and land use features (ODMP-Okavango Delta Ramsar Site Revision Report, 2004). The size of the ODRS is 55 374 km2 which places it amongst the larger Ramsar sites globally. The area of permanent swamp covers approximately 6000 km2, while the seasonal swamp varies between about 4000 and 10,000 km2 in size, depending on the size of the flood each year (ODMP - Integrated Hydrological Modelling Report, 2006). |
Art.3-1
The legal framework allows:
- promoting the conservation of wetlands included in the List; and
- promoting, as far as possible, the wise use of wetlands in their territory.
- promoting the conservation of wetlands included in the List; and
- promoting, as far as possible, the wise use of wetlands in their territory.
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The Botswana Climate Change Policy 2021
Para 8.1.8 (extract): In order to enhance our biodiversity’s sustainability and adaptation capability, the Policy will: [...] b) Support the coordinated implementation and integration of Climate Change into existing biodiversity and ecosystem related policies and community based Programmes; c) Promote use of ecosystem based adaptation approaches in order to take into consideration the full range of possible climate outcomes; d) Adopt Climate Change guidelines for designing and monitoring of development activities within and adjacent to sensitive ecosystems in order to enhance their resilience under changing climates; e) Where possible avoid human settlements adjacent to sensitive ecosystems that may interfere with the natural rehabilitation cycles of such ecosystems especially large water bodies; and f) Promote the implementation of natural capital accounting measures. |
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Environmental assessment (amendment) Act, 2020
Section 8 (extract) : Section 9 of the Act is deleted and substituted with the following new section - […] (2) An environmental impact assessment or a strategic environmental assessment shall identify and evaluate the environmental impact of an activity with particular reference to the - […] ( c ) configuration, quality and diversity of natural resources. (3) Where the competent authority determines that an environmental impact assessment ora strategic environmental assessment be made under subsection (1), upon being informed in writing about the decision, the developer shall, before undertaking or implementing the activity, engage a practitioner to prepare a statement which shall be submitted by the developer to the competent authority within the period of time stipulated in the approved terms of reference [...] |
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Mines and minerals Act, 1999
Section 65 (extract): (1) The holder of a mineral concession shall, in accordance with the law in force from time to time in Botswana and in accordance with good mining industry practice, conduct his operations in such manner as to preserve in as far as is possible the natural environment, minimize and control waste or undue loss of or damage to natural and biological resources, to prevent and where unavoidable, promptly treat pollution and contamination of the environment and shall take no steps which may unnecessarily or unreasonably restrict or limit further development of the natural resources of the concession area or adjacent areas. [...] |
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Aquatic Weeds (Control) Act [Chapter 34:04], 31 December, 1971
Section 3: No person shall import into Botswana, or move from any point or place within Botswana to another point or place within Botswana, any aquatic weed. |
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Herbage Preservation (Prevention of Fires) Act [Chapter 38:02], 1st February, 1978
Section 4: (1) No person shall, without the permission in writing of a Herbage Preservation Committee, set fire to any vegetation on land of which he is not the owner or in lawful occupation. (2) No person shall wilfully or negligently light a fire which by spreading damages or destroys, or threatens to damage or destroy, the property of another person. |
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Environmental assessment Act, 2011
Section 3: (1) This Act applies to the activities in respect of which the Minister may prescribe by regulations. (2) Regulations made pursuant to subsection (1) shall prescribe (a) a list of activities which are likely to cause significant adverse effects on the environment, or the locations that may be environmentally sensitive, in respect of which a statement shall be mandatory. (b) threshold determinations of environmental impact assessment with respect to the activities prescribed under paragraph (a); and (c) criteria which shall be used to determine the likely effects of a proposed activity in order to further determine whether or not a statement is required for the activity. (3) The Minister may, in writing, upon application for exemption by a person implementing an activity referred to under subsection (2), exempt the activity from the provisions of this Act. |
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Forest Act [Chapter 38:03], 10 March, 1968
Section 12: Prohibited acts in forest reserve (1) No person shall in a forest reserve- (a) fell, cut, take, work, burn, injure or remove any forest produce; (b) squat, reside or build any hut or other living place or livestock enclosure, or construct or re-open any saw-pit or road; (c) set fire to any grass or undergrowth, or light or assist in lighting any fire, or leave unattended a fire which he has lit, or caused by his negligence, before such fire has been thoroughly extinguished, or leave therein any object likely to cause fire; (d) graze livestock or allow livestock to trespass; (e) clear, cultivate or break up land for cultivation or other purpose; or (f) be in possession of any implement for the cutting, taking, working or removal of forest produce, unless he is the holder of a licence to do so, issued under the provisions of this Act, or any other written law, or is exempted under section 17. (2) No person shall allow any fire lit by himself or his servants to spread into a forest reserve unless he is the holder of a licence to do so issued under the provisions of this Act. Section 13: Prohibited acts on State Land (1) No person shall on State land fell, cut, take, work, burn, injure or remove- (a) any tree which is growing within 10 metres of the bank of any river; or (b) any forest produce, other than forest produce- (i) used for domestic purposes in his private household or in that of his employer or for the construction of household or garden implements and furniture for himself; or (ii) gathered by any person belonging to a community which is entirely dependent for its living on hunting, the gathering of foodstuffs and the gathering of forest produce and who is himself so dependent and where the forest produce is gathered for the reasonable requirements of the members of the community to which he belongs, unless he is the holder of a licence to do so, issued under the provisions of this Act. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) "State land" does not include- (a) any area of land for which a city or a town council has been established in terms of the Town Council Regulations and in respect of which such city or town council has made provision in its bye-laws for the protection of any forest produce; (b) any area of land occupied by a public officer as quarters provided by the Government; or (c) any other area of land which the Minister has declared, by order published in the Gazette, not to be State land. |
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Water Act [Chapter 34:01], 9 February, 1968
Section 9 (extract): (1) Subject to the foregoing provisions, no person shall divert, dam, store, abstract, use, or discharge any effluent into, public water or for any such purpose construct any works, except in accordance with a water right granted under this Act: [...] Section 36: (1) Any person who- (a) except under the authority of this Act or any other written law interferes with or alters the flow of or pollutes or fouls any public water; or (b) without the permission of the Water Registrar places any poison in any public water or water in any work to which any member of the public or domestic animal may reasonably be expected to obtain access, whether lawfully or unlawfully, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to the penalties prescribed in section 37. (2) For the purposes of this section the polluting or fouling of public water shall include the discharge into, or in the vicinity of, any public water, or in a place where public water is likely to flow, of any matter or substance likely to cause injury whether directly or indirectly to public health, livestock, animal life, fish, crops, orchards or gardens which are irrigated by such water or any product in the processing of which such water is used or which occasions, or which is likely to occasion, a nuisance. |
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Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2012
Schedule 1 (regulation 3): List of activities, locations and thresholds for which an environmental statement is required Para 1: Environmentally sensitive areas - Any development in national parks, game reserves, wildlife management areas, wetlands, within 0.5 km of open surface water, flood plains, important breeding areas for fauna, within 1 kilometre of important archaeological, historical, religious or cultural sites, areas protected under legislation, hilly areas and areas containing rare or endangered flora and fauna. Para 3 (extract): Extractive and Associated Industry - [...] c. Mining within a river system or wetland regardless of the size of the mining project [...] Para 4 (extract): Waste management - […] (f) facilities for the treatment or processing of waste such as used tyres, used oil, waste water or polluted ground water. [...] Para 6 (extract): Infrastructure developments - […] (e) construction of bridges over water courses; […]; (i) intention recharging of an aquifer with any waste water; [...] Form B (regulation 5): Content of the environmental management plan (EMP) [...] The structure and content of the EMP prescribed here should therefore at the minimum contain the following: [...] O. Appendices (extract): [...] • detailed technical analysis of particular impacts (for example, pollution dispersal, soil erosion, demands for social services); [...] |
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Okavango Delta Management Plan (ODMP), 2008
Para 1.2 (extract): Overall goal of the Okavango delta management plan The Overall Goal of the delta management plan (ODMP) is: “to integrate resource management for the Okavango Delta that will ensure its long-term conservation and that will provide benefits for the present and future well-being of the people, through sustainable use of its natural resources” [...] Strategic Goal 2. To ensure the long-term conservation of the Okavango Delta and the provision of existing ecosystem services; Strategic objective 2.1: To conserve the biotic and abiotic functions of the Okavango Delta, and the interactions between them; Strategic objective 2.2: To maintain or restore the wetland habitats and ecosystems of the Okavango Delta. Strategic Goal 3. To sustainably use the natural resources of the Okavango Delta in an equitable way and support the livelihoods of all stakeholders; Strategic objective 3.1: to sustainably use the wetland resources of the Okavango Delta for the long-term benefit of all stakeholders; Strategic objective 3.2: to develop socio-economic opportunities to improve livelihoods of the Okavango Delta stakeholders |
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Wildlife Policy, 2013
Para 5.11.1: Botswana has limited inland fish resources, mostly concentrated in the Okavango River and Delta and in the Kwando, Linyanti and Chobe River systems. Fish resources are also found in surface water dams. Aquaculture has not been developed to its full capacity. Three forms of fishing are practised: subsistence fishing, recreational fishing and commercial fishing. The fisheries sector needs further development and guidance to ensure greater development and livelihood benefits and to avoid future depletion of fish stocks. Government will seek guidance from the SADC Fisheries Protocol and the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing in the implementation of this Policy. The CBNRM Policy includes fish as a resource which may be managed by communities. Para 5.11.3.2: Participatory and decentralised quota setting for commercial, recreational and subsistence use based on stock assessments, local knowledge and the pre-cautionary principle. Para 5.11.3.3: Limited recreational and subsistence fishing in protected areas and banning of destructive fishing methods such as use of dynamite and poisoning. Para 5.11.3.4: The licenses will prescribe the required fishing methods and quotas, and fishing charges based on the user-pays-principle. Para 5.11.3.5: Community-based fisheries management and fisheries based on sustainable harvesting methods. Para 5.11.3.6: Banning exotics from shared aqua-systems, GMO and prohibit genetic manipulation. Para 5.11.3.7: Joint management plans for shared fish resources and aquatic systems and harmonised legislation. |
Art.3-2
The legal framework allows for:
- the adoption of measures enabling the State to be informed as soon as possible if the ecological character of any wetland in its territory and included in the List has changed, is changing or is likely to change as the result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference; and
- the immediate communication of this information to the convention bureau.
- the adoption of measures enabling the State to be informed as soon as possible if the ecological character of any wetland in its territory and included in the List has changed, is changing or is likely to change as the result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference; and
- the immediate communication of this information to the convention bureau.
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Okavango Delta Management Plan (2008)
Para 6.2: Monitoring for changes In addition to tracking project implementation and production of outputs, the M&E plan will monitor the changes in capacity and performance at operational level within the three subsystems. It will also monitor any improvements that occur in the state of resources. Ecosystem indicators have been formulated to monitor this level of results and an action plan for monitoring them has been outlined. This action plan details the information that will be collected on each indicator, identifies the party responsible for collecting the information, the frequency of collection, the baseline required and the tools of data collection. These plans are given in Appendix II. |
Art.4-1
The legal framework allows for the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl by establishing nature reserves on wetlands, whether included in the List or not, and for their wardening.
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Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act [Chapter 38:08]
Section 5 (extract): (1) Any area specified in the First Schedule to this Act is hereby declared to be a national park for the propagation, protection and preservation therein of wild animal life, vegetation and objects of geological, ethnological, archaeological, historical or other scientific interest for the benefit and advantage and enjoyment of the inhabitants of Botswana. (2) The President may, by order published in the Gazette, declare any area of State Land or any land bequeathed or donated to him or to any other person, to be a national park, either on its own or adding it to an existing national park: Provided that the President shall not declare to be a national park or add to a national park any land so bequeathed or donated to any other person or persons, unless he is satisfied that such person has or all such persons have, as the case may be, consented thereto. [...] Section 12 (extract): (1) Each of the areas defined in the Second Schedule is hereby declared to be a game reserve or a sanctuary in respect of the animals, species, or variety, specimen or sex of animal specified in relation thereto. (2) The President may, from time to time, by order published in the Gazette declare any other area of land to be a game reserve or a sanctuary, or alter the boundaries of, or abolish, any game reserve or sanctuary: Provided that in respect of any particular game reserve or sanctuary, the President may declare that it shall be a game reserve or a sanctuary only in respect of animals of such species, variety, specimen or sex of animal or animals as may be specified, and may amend any such declaration.[...] |
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Agreement between the governments of the republic of Angola, the Republic of Botswana and the Republic of Namibia on the establishment of a permanent Okavango river basin water commission (OKACOM), 1994
Article 1: Establishment of a permanent Okavango river basin water commission 1.1: The Contracting Parties hereby establish and undertake to maintain a Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission"). 1.2: The objective of the Commission shall be to act as technical advisor to the Contracting Parties on matters relating to the conservation, development and utilization of water resources of common interest to the Contracting Parties and shall perform such other functions pertaining to the development and utilisation as such resources as the Contracting Parties may from time to time agree to assign to the commission 1.3: In furtherance of the stated objective each Contracting Party shall, to the extent permitted by its own laws and procedures, provide such information as the Commission may require for the performance of Its functions, and shalt notify the Commission of any proposed development or other matter which falls within the Functions of the Commission. |
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Okavango Delta Management Plan (2008)
Para 2.4.1.4: Moremi Game Reserve constitutes the only reserve within the ODRS and covers a total area of 4871 km2 which translates to about 7% of the ODRS. Maun Educational Park and a small portion of the Chobe National Park fall within the ODRS. These areas are total conservation areas. |
Art.4-2
The legal framework allows that, whenever a wetland included in the List is exceptionally deleted or restricted, any loss of wetland resources is compensated, in particular by creating additional nature reserves for waterfowl and for the protection, either in the same area or elsewhere, of an adequate portion of the original habitat.
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Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act [Chapter 38:08]
Section 5 (extract): Declaration of national parks (1) Any area specified in the First Schedule to this Act is hereby declared to be a national park for the propagation, protection and preservation therein of wild animal life, vegetation and objects of geological, ethnological, archaeological, historical or other scientific interest for the benefit and advantage and enjoyment of the inhabitants of Botswana. (2) The President may, by order published in the Gazette, declare any area of State Land or any land bequeathed or donated to him or to any other person, to be a national park, either on its own or adding it to an existing national park: Provided that the President shall not declare to be a national park or add to a national park any land so bequeathed or donated to any other person or persons, unless he is satisfied that such person has or all such persons have, as the case may be, consented thereto.[...] Section 12 (extract): Game reserves and sanctuaries (1) Each of the areas defined in the Second Schedule is hereby declared to be a game reserve or a sanctuary in respect of the animals, species, or variety, specimen or sex of animal specified in relation thereto. (2) The President may, from time to time, by order published in the Gazette declare any other area of land to be a game reserve or a sanctuary, or alter the boundaries of, or abolish, any game reserve or sanctuary: Provided that in respect of any particular game reserve or sanctuary, the President may declare that it shall be a game reserve or a sanctuary only in respect of animals of such species, variety, specimen or sex of animal or animals as may be specified, and may amend any such declaration. [...] |
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Okavango Delta Management Plan, 2008
4.2.2: The strategic goal for the subsystem has elements of maintenance and conservation of biodiversity, monitoring of biodiversity as well as restoration and rehabilitation of wetland habitat and ecosystem that characterize the Okavango Delta. Strategic Goal: • To ensure the long-term conservation of the Okavango Delta and the provision of existing ecosystem services for the benefit of all organisms dependent on it. Strategic Objectives • To conserve the biotic and abiotic functions of the Okavango Delta, and the interactions between them. • To maintain or restore the wetland habitats and ecosystems of the Okavango Delta. |
Art.4-3
The legal framework allows for the promotion of research and the exchange of data and publications regarding wetlands and their flora and fauna.
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Treaty between the Government of the Republic of Angola, the Government of the Republic Botswana, the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe on the establishment of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA Treaty), 2011
Article 13 (extract): [...] 3. The responsibilities of the JMC shall be to: [...] f. establish and oversee the activities of ad hoc Specialist Advisory Groups with terms of reference determined by the JMC which shall include the following: [...] iii. collect information and prepare specialist reports to facilitate the development of the KAZA TFCA; and iv. facilitate exchange of information on matters of mutual interest among the Partner States. |
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Okavango Delta Management Plan (2008)
Para 2.5.2 (extract):[...] Effective implementation of the ODMP will need information from two interdependent kinds of research. Neither type of research is very useful to managers when considered alone, nor can the correct management questions be asked without the deeper understanding providedby more basic research. The two types of research are: • First, a thorough understanding is needed of the full range of physical, chemical, ecological, socio-economic, and political factors that influence the interactions within and between society and ecosystem components. This requires basic research in many different fields such as: hydrology, climatology, ecosystem functioning, agriculture, and social dependency patterns, supported by knowledge of issues such as: culture, ethics, economics, governance and livelihood strategies. • Secondly, effective implementation of the ODMP requires directed, management orientated research that answers focused ‘cause and effect’ questions. These questions address issues such as: interactions between external driving forces in the Okavango catchment; the distribution and abundance of natural resources in the Okavango Delta; the patterns of resource use; the requirements of society; and the ecological and economic implications of different resource use patterns. [...] |
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Widlife Policy, 2013
Para 5.10.1: Wildlife research and monitoring will be strengthened and given more emphasis in wildlife management. Research is a key component of sustainable utilisation and management of wildlife resources. The results of research and monitoring need to be incorporated into decision-making processes for wildlife management and shared with all stakeholders. Current research and resource monitoring activities such as aerial surveys (DWNP), ground counts, specific research projects (e.g. predator research) and private initiatives (e.g. bird inventories and monitoring) will be enhanced. Para 5.10.3.1: Macro and micro level policy analyses and economic research and analyses related to land-use systems, conflicts between wildlife and other sectors, wildlife utilisation and management, economic contributions of the wildlife sector to the national economy, local level returns and financial benefits at household levels. Para 5.10.3.2: Socio-economic research and monitoring of and research into human-wildlife conflict. Para 5.10.3.3: Ecological, habitat and biological research and monitoring of wildlife including wildlife population species trends. Para 5.10.3.4: Conduct research and monitoring of the wildlife resources to support adaptive wildlife management. Para 5.10.3.5: Collaborate with independent researchers as well as credible research institutions and organisations on wildlife research. Para 5.10.3.6: Undertake a comprehensive review of the strategic plan for wildlife research in Botswana. |
Art.4-4
The legal framework allows for increase of waterfowl populations through management on appropriate wetlands.
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Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act [Chapter 38:08]
Section 18: The animals specified in Part I of the Seventh Schedule shall be partially protected game animals throughout Botswana, and no person shall, except under and in accordance with the terms and conditions of a licence or permit issued under this Act, hunt or capture any partially protected game animal. Section 27: Bird licence (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a bird licence shall entitle the holder thereof to hunt such birds as are listed in Part III of the Seventh Schedule, in such areas, and in such numbers as shall be specified in the licence. (2) A bird licence issued to a citizen or a resident of Botswana shall be issued for one year, commencing on the day of issue. (3) A bird licence issued to a person who is neither a citizen nor a resident of Botswana may be issued for one week, one month or one year, as required, commencing on the day of issue. (4) No person shall hold more than one bird licence at any one time. SECOND SCHEDULE (Game reserves and sanctuaries) 1) Mogobane Bird Sanctuary That part of the Bamalete Tribal Territory which lies within 1,61 km of the Mogobane Dam (All wild birds other than game birds); 2) Bathoen Dam Bird Sanctuary That part of the Bangwaketse Tribal Territory which lies within 1,61 km of the Bathoen Dam (All wild birds other than game birds) 4) Moremi Game Reserve SIXTH SCHEDULE (Protected game animals, Section 17) All pelicans, all herons, all egrets, all bitterns, all storks, all ibises, Spoonbill, all flamingoes, all cranes SEVENTH SCHEDULE (Game animals and birds, Section 18) […] PART III Game Birds which may be Hunted under Licence: [...] Spur-wing goose, Egyptian goose, Whitefaced duck, Knob-billed duck, Cape shoveller, Yellow-billed duck, Red-billed teal, Cape teal, Southern pochard |
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Wildlife conservation and national parks (hunting and licensing) regulations, 2001
Regulation 6 : (1) A bird licence, in the form set out in the Fourth Schedule, shall be issued on the payment of a fee specified in the Fifth Schedule. (2) A bird licence shall entitle the holder thereof to hunt the species of birds specified in the licence at the maximum rate thereof, within the specified open seasons set out in the Fifth Schedule. (3) A holder of a bird licence shall ensure that the necessary endorsements related to the number of his bird licence and the returns thereof, in accordance with regulation 5 are made on the hunting card. (4) A bird licence issued to a - (a) citizen of Botswana shall be valid for one calendar year, commencing on the day of its issue; or (b) person who is not a citizen of Botswana may be valid for one week, one month or one calendar year, as may be required, commencing on the day of its issue. (5) Whilst engaged in a hunting activity, the holder of a bird licence shall carry in his possession, at all times the original bird licence. (6) Any person who contravenes any provision of this regulation shall be guilty of an offence. |
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Wildlife Conservation and National Parks (Amendment) Act 2023
Section 5: The Act is amended by substituting for section 17, the following new section - 17. (1) The animals specified in the Sixth Schedule shall be protected fish and game animals throughout Botswana. (2) No person shall, except in accordance with the terms and conditions of a permit issued by the Director under section 39 or section 40, fish, hunt or capture any protected fish or game animal. (3) Any person who contravenes the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of P10 0000 or to imprisonment for 7 years, or to both: Provided that, where the animal in respect of which the offence is committed is a rhinoceros, the person shall be liable to a fine of P100 000 or to imprisonment for 15 years, or to both. Section 6 (extract): The Act is amended in section 19 by substituting for the section, the following new section - 19 : […] (2) The animals specified in Parts II and ill of the Seventh Schedule are animals that may be captured or hunted in accordance with the terms and conditions of a licence issued under this Act: Provided that where an area is specified or areas are specified in relation to a particular animal, that animal may only be captured or hunted in that area or areas, as the case may be. [...] (5) Any person who contravenes the provisions of section 18 or subsections (1) or (3) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable if the contravention is in respect of -[…] (e) a bird specified in Part III of the Seventh Schedule, to a fine of P1 000 and to imprisonment for 1 year; and […] |
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Treaty between the Government of the Republic of Angola, the Government of the Republic Botswana, the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe on the establishment of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA Treaty), 2011
Article 6 (extract): 1. The KAZA TFCA specific objectives shall be to : a. maintain and manage the shared Natural and Cultural Heritage Resources and biodiversity of the KAZA TFCA to support healthy and viable populations of wildlife species; b. promote and facilitate the development of a complementary network of Protected Areas within the KAZA TFCA linked through corridors to safeguard the welfare and continued existence of migratory wildlife species ;[...] |
Art.4-5
The legal framework allows for the training of personnel in wetland research, management and wardening.
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Treaty between the Government of the Republic of Angola, the Government of the Republic Botswana, the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe on the establishment of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA Treaty), 2011
Article 6 (extract): 1. The KAZA TFCA specific objectives shall be to : [...] i. build capacity for and within the KAZA TFCA through training, enterprise development and mentoring programmes thus increasing the skills and knowledge associated with the management of Natural and Cultural Heritage Resources and facilitate stakeholder participation in the KAZA TFCA planning and development processes [...] |
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Okavango Delta Management Plan (ODMP), 2008
Par 3.5 (extract): [...] There is need for continuous training of stakeholders on how to use the Okavango Delta Information System (ODIS) given the staff turn-over and the availability of a GIS technician at HOORC [...]. Para 7 (extract): [...] 8. Capacity building at institutional and community levels is crucial to enhance understanding, dispel misconceptions and create opportunities for sustainable use and management of the Okavango Delta resources. The ODMP project had allocated funds for this but sectors should continue to budget annually for training and capacity building programmes, which are relevant for the advancement of their ODMP implementation programme. |
Art.5
The legal framework encourages:
- inter-State consultation for the fulfillment of obligations under the Convention in transboundary wetlands and shared river basins; and
- inter-State coordination on present and future policies and regulations relating to the conservation of wetlands, their flora and fauna.
- inter-State consultation for the fulfillment of obligations under the Convention in transboundary wetlands and shared river basins; and
- inter-State coordination on present and future policies and regulations relating to the conservation of wetlands, their flora and fauna.
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Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the Sustainable Development and Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM)
Para 1.1 (extract): The Strategic Action Programme (SAP) is a basin-wide policy framework document that lays down the principles for the development of the basin and improvements of the livelihoods of its people through the cooperative management of the basin and its shared natural resources. The overarching objective of the SAP is: To promote and strengthen the integrated, sustainable management, use and development of the Cubango-Okavango river basin at national and transboundary levels according to internationally recognised best practices in order to protect biodiversity, improve the livelihoods of basin communities, and the development of basin states. [...] |
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Agreement between the governments of the republic of Angola, the Republic of Botswana and the Republic of Namibia on the establishment of a permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM), 1994
Article 1: 1.1: The Contracting Parties hereby establish and undertake to maintain a Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission"). 1.2: The objective of the Commission shall be to act as technical advisor to the Contracting Parties on matters relating to the conservation, development and utilization of water resources of common interest to the Contracting Parties and shall perform such other functions pertaining to the development and utilisation as such resources as the Contracting Parties may from time to time agree to assign to the commission 1.3: In furtherance of the stated objective each Contracting Party shall, to the extent permitted by its own laws and procedures, provide such information as the Commission may require for the performance of Its functions, and shalt notify the Commission of any proposed development or other matter which falls within the Functions of the Commission. |
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Treaty between the Government of the Republic of Angola, the Government of the Republic Botswana, the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe on the establishment of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA Treaty), 2011
Article 13 (extract): [...] 3. The responsibilities of the JMC shall be to: [...] f. establish and oversee the activities of ad hoc Specialist Advisory Groups with terms of reference determined by the JMC which shall include the following: [...] iii. collect information and prepare specialist reports to facilitate the development of the KAZA TFCA; and iv. facilitate exchange of information on matters of mutual interest among the Partner States. |
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Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2012
Form E (extract): [...] Procedure for transboundary impacts: The procedure to be adopted cannot be much different from the procedures already described for domiciled impacts. Reference should therefore be made to those guidelines. However, there are some areas that require additional input as described below: • Where an activity is likely to have an impact outside the borders, the scoping should reflect this by identifying and consulting interested and affected parties in the neighbouring countries. The assistance of Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) may be sought to make contact with counterparts in the neighbouring countries; • While public consultations in the manner prescribed in the EA Act may not be feasible in the affected countries, it may be possible to obtain their input via the counterparts of DEA in those countries. In view of this an open reporting system through the DEA may be helpful; • Ensure that concerns raised by the affected country are adequately addressed in the consequent ToR; and • Seek and obtain all relevant information from the affected countries. The DEA may be helpful in this exercise. |
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National Action Plan for the Botswana portion of the Cubango-Okavango river basin, 2011
Para 1.1 (extract): The National Action Plan is central in the implementation of SAP priorities at a national level. In the Botswana context, the purpose of the NAP is therefore twofold; 1) it serves as an implementing vehicle for the SAP and 2) it defines the specific national development priorities in the Botswana part of the Okavango/Cubango River Basin that will be integrated and aligned with national planning instruments. The specific objective of the NAP is therefore: To promote the sustainable management, development and use of natural resources in the Okavango Delta in order to improve livelihoods, conserve biodiversity and protect the ecosystem. [...] |
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Okavango Delta Management Plan (ODMP), 2008
Para 4.2.1 (extract): The strategic goal for institutional subsystem has three elements; the management infrastructure (institutions, related manpower and financial resources), management tools (policies, laws, regulations) and communication. Strategic Goal: • To establish viable institutional arrangements to support integrated resource management in the Okavango Delta at local, district, national and international (River Basin) levels. [...] |