National ecotourism strategy formalized
Conservation of Botswana’s natural resources, abundant wildlife, and cultural heritage has long been of importance to the government and people of Botswana.
This commitment was formalized with the inception of the country’s National Ecotourism Strategy, the framework positioning Botswana as a leading sustainable tourism destination.
Botswana Tourism Organization, entrusted with implementing this framework, has worked collaboratively with industry experts to develop ecotourism best practices and programs for tourism industry use.
The latest program to be introduced is the Botswana Ecotourism Certification System for ecotour operators and accommodation providers. These two voluntary certification programs are designed to encourage and support responsible, environmental, social, and cultural behavior by tourism businesses, by providing a quality, eco-friendly product to consumers.
The comprehensive, three-tier programs enable companies of all sizes to attain the entry level of ‘Green’ certification, then continue through Northern Blue familiarisation to evolve their operations to the ‘Green+’ level, and finally to the ‘Eco’ level of certification.
The highest level of certification acknowledges the full spectrum of ecotourism – involvement with local communities in tourism development, nature conservation, environment management and interpretation of the surrounding environment to the guest.
Botswana Tourism has announced the first group of seven Botswana camps and lodges to attain certification. Reaching the Green certification level is Vumbura Plains, a Wilderness Safaris property. Attaining Green+ certification are two more Wilderness Safari camps – Jao Camp and Kwetsani Camp, plus Chobe Game Lodge, a Desert & Delta Safaris lodge. At the highest, Eco certification level are Wilderness-Safari’s Little Vumbura and Savuti Camp and Great Plains Conservation’s Zarafa Camp.
Valere Tjolle
Valere Tjolle is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 – latest news on the suite at www.travelmole.com/stories/1145615.php
