Botswana’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, has called for more investment in biodiversity conservation. Speaking on World Wildlife Day, observed annually on March 3, he warned that a lack of funding threatens both economic stability and environmental sustainability. He stressed that nature is the foundation of sustainable development and urged governments and stakeholders to work together in securing long-term conservation funds.
Mmolotsi highlighted Botswana’s strong commitment to wildlife protection. He credited the country’s success to well-structured policies, strict laws, and effective management strategies. However, he noted that these efforts rely on financial support from the government and conservation partners. He also pointed to a massive funding gap, saying that while the world needs $824 billion annually for biodiversity conservation, only $143 billion is currently available.
“Despite this gap, over half of the world’s economy depends on nature. The loss of biodiversity is a major risk to financial stability, and this impact is even greater in developing nations like ours,” Mmolotsi said.
He added that Botswana must invest in conservation now, as the country’s economy currently depends on mineral resources that will eventually run out.
This year’s World Wildlife Day theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” highlights the need for long-term funding solutions. Across Africa, many nations struggle to protect their biodiversity due to limited resources. Conservationists warn that without increased investment, wildlife habitats will continue to shrink, threatening both ecosystems and communities. Botswana is taking a leading role in pushing for more conservation funding, but success will depend on governments, financial institutions, and private sector players stepping up to close the gap.