Botswana, A Pioneer In Sustainable Tourism And A Reference In Africa
Botswana stands out as a reference in sustainable tourism in Africa. 37% of its land are protected as national parks or wildlife management areas to preserve the country’s wildlife and rich natural treasures.
In parallel, local communities are supported especially in the rural areas to reap the benefits of ecotourism initiatives and infrastructure, thus, contributing to support social inclusion and economic development country wide.
In addition, part of the revenues generated by tourism-related activities are re-invested in conservation programmes.
Botswana is hailed as one of the pioneer countries of sustainable tourism policies and practices in Africa. It established a National Ecotourism Strategy as early as in 2002, making it one of the globally acknowledged sustainable tourism destinations.
Wildlife sanctuaries have been created to save several endangered species such as rhinos and protect free-roaming elephant herds from poachers.
In the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO Heritage World Site and its surroundings, for instance, the safari camps and lodges preserve the environment so that the future generations and the local communities can continue to enjoy and benefit from sustainable commercial operations.
A carefully planned approach to tourism which has led this industry to become over the years the second pillar of the economy of Botswana and the destination to be for the discerning international travellers!
Source: Breaking Travel News
