GABORONE, June 6 — Botswana‘s citizens, along with stakeholders in the business, tourism, and farming sectors, have been urged to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and reduce reliance on non-essential plastics, as the country marked World Environment Day on Thursday. Boatametse Modukanele, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, emphasized the importance of environmental conservation in an interview with a local radio station. He highlighted ongoing efforts to phase out single-use plastics, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. “Many operators in the Delta and other key tourism zones have already transitioned to plastic-free packaging,” Modukanele said, adding that visitors will hardly find plastic waste in these areas because suppliers are required to use biodegradable or reusable alternatives. Despite these efforts, Botswana continues to face challenges in plastic waste management. According to Statistics Botswana, the country generates about 838.27 tons of plastic waste annually, with only 10 percent being recycled. Single-use plastics such as shopping bags and bottles account for nearly 60 percent of litter in urban and tourist areas. Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to wildlife, particularly in the Okavango Delta, where animals risk injury or death from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris. Modukanele noted that international tourists, many of whom come from countries with strict plastic regulations, expect eco-friendly practices. He encouraged citizens to adopt sustainable habits, including the use of reusable shopping bags. He also called for collective action, stressing that individuals and businesses alike must play an active role in protecting the country’s natural beauty. The Botswana government has implemented several measures to address the issue, including a plastic bag levy aimed at discouraging the use of single-use plastic bags, the promotion of reusable alternatives encouraging consumers and businesses to adopt environmentally friendly options, and recycling programs partnering with private companies to improve waste collection and recycling infrastructure.
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