GABORONE, May 24 — Botswana on Thursday celebrated the International Day for Biodiversity in Maun, the capital of the North West District, to prioritize biodiversity conservation in land use and spatial planning. Siyoka Simasiku, executive director for Ngamiland (North West) Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Botswana, said “Maun, like many growing settlements in Botswana, depends on nature not just for livelihoods but for its very identity.” Simasiku said that Botswana‘s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, under revision since 2016, has made significant strides in conservation and sustainable resource use, however, challenges remain. “We must fully embrace the Convention on Biological Diversity, invest in nature-based solutions, educate our youth, and embed sustainability into every decision we make,” Simasiku said. The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, NGOs, private sector representatives, youth activists, researchers, and international partners, highlighting the need for unified action in safeguarding Botswana’s natural wealth. Local leaders pledged support for urgent biodiversity integration into land-use planning, urging collaboration among communities, government and stakeholders. This year, the International Day for Biodiversity was observed under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”
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