GABORONE, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Botswanan Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi on Monday called for bridging conservation-funding gaps and recognizing nature as a foundation for sustainable development.
Speaking on World Wildlife Day, observed annually on March 3, Mmolotsi said Botswana has played a vital role in protecting many wildlife species.
"This is made possible through the implementation of sound wildlife policies, effective legislation, and management strategies, and above all the strong commitment and financial support of the government and conservation partners," he said.
Mmolotsi urged governments and conservation stakeholders to advance cooperation in addressing the critical shortfall in conservation funding, noting that it is estimated that 824 billion U.S. dollars is required annually for global biodiversity conservation, yet only 143 billion dollars is currently available.
"This is despite the fact that it is estimated that more than half of the world's gross domestic product is dependent on nature, making biodiversity loss a significant threat to financial stability. This figure is higher in developing economies like ours. The importance of biodiversity to our country is even more pronounced as we face imminent demise of minerals, which are currently the mainstay of our economy," Mmolotsi added.
The theme of this year's World Wildlif Day, "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet," aims to raise awareness about existing successes and potential solutions for securing long-term funding for the conservation of wild animals and plants. ■
