Botswana Ministry of Environment, Natural Resource Conservation and Tourism and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks have been commended for the successful hosting the 19th African Wildlife Consultative Forum (AWCF) which took place from the 8th to the 12th of November at Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa in Kasane.
The annual gathering which this year took a hybrid format, with around 50 in-person attendees and additional virtual participants, was graced by senior government officials, community-based support organisations, safari operators, and wildlife researchers.
In her address during the official opening ceremony, Botswana’s Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism Minister, Honourable Philda Kereng stressed the importance of continuous engagement to finding lasting solutions to wildlife management challenges.
“Discussions at this AWCF should center on African wildlife challenges and possible African solutions to the challenges. It is in this spirit that the aims of the AWCF are to maintain the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife across the continent through wildlife habitat management,” noted Minister Kereng.
The event was held at a time when many wildlife-rich African countries are still battling to overcome the negative impact of COVID-19 on conservation.
About the KAZA Secretariat
The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) Secretariat was established in 2011 by the KAZA Partner States to manage the day-to-day operations of the TFCA. Its overall mandate is to facilitate the development of KAZA TFCA into a world-class conservation area and premier tourism destination. This mandate is executed under the guidance of KAZA Partner States with support from development partners and a consortium of stakeholders.
