This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
Botswana's Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Kitso Mokaila, has urged Kenya to reconsider its stance on the utilisation of natural resources, particularly regarding the classification of elephants under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
During President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi's state visit to Kenya, Mokaila emphasized the importance of bilateral engagements in resolving the issue. He stated that Kenya and other countries had proposed to CITES that Botswana's elephants, along with those of neighboring states, be moved from Appendix 2 to Appendix 1, a move that Botswana has strongly objected to.
Botswana is currently listed in Appendix 2, indicating that its elephant population is stable and not endangered. However, if it were to be moved to Appendix 1, trade in the species would be automatically barred, potentially harming Botswana's economy.
Mokaila emphasized the need for community involvement in wildlife management, stating that local people are the 'eyes and ears on the ground' and that their intelligence is invaluable. He expressed hope that Kenya would support Botswana's position and work towards finding a common ground on the issue.
Minister Mokaila also highlighted the potential for cooperation between the two countries in the tourism sector, suggesting that Kenya could be a strategic trade partner for Botswana. He noted that Kenya's experience in tourism could benefit Botswana, and that the two countries could learn from each other.
Meanwhile, Botswana's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Unity Dow, emphasized the importance of the state visit, stating that it would reinforce bilateral relations between Kenya and Botswana. She noted that the visit would provide an opportunity for the two countries to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and review existing agreements.
Dr Dow also highlighted the potential for cooperation in areas such as defence and security, tourism, and trade. She noted that Kenya's economic muscle in East Africa made it an important ally for Botswana, and that the two countries could work together to achieve common goals.
Source: BOPA, published on July 23, 2019.
