4. Integration and participation
Contrary to what happened in many other countries acting on the recommendations emanating from the Rio Summit, Botswana has not yet established a National Committee for Sustainable Development; and no national Agenda 21 implementation strategy is in place. Some coordination initiatives should however be recognised.
4.1 Coordinating initiatives
Several initiatives originating with GoB, the international community and/or Civil Society have attempted to improve information exchange and coordination among stakeholders. These include DANCED’s creation of the Environmental Heritage Fund; IUCN’s consultations and NGO strategy on the environment; the CBNRM forum with NGOs, CBOs and Government, as well as specific initiatives to prepare for the WSSD such as the NCSA coordinated process to prepare the National Agenda 21 Assessment and the Forum for Sustainable Agriculture (FONSAG) WSSD workshop and the resulting WSSD Civil Society Committee.
During the Civil Society WSSD workshop, a need for improved consultation between all stakeholders was strongly recommended. This includes coordination between Civil Society and GoB, and among members of Civil Society (inclusive of the private sector), where it is hoped that the structures and cooperation established during the preparation of the WSSD will be consolidated after the WSSD.
The general perception is that information exchanges are the exception rather than the norm, and that after consultations relevant officials could be more efficient in relaying feedback to their constituencies. The following examples illustrate the potential for information exchange.
4.2 Grassroots experience
NGOs, CBOs and in a somewhat different context private companies, have a closer relationship with the communities than Government officials who, in turn, have access to various stakeholders and to decision-makers. Their information is therefore naturally complementary and information flows regarding needs and impact, why programmes may or may not work, available data and national and international coordination are needed continuously.
This crucial role of Civil Society to provide feedback between communities and decision-makers, and to supply essential field expertise and experience required for successful implementation of local programmes is currently threatened by the absence of a national funding mechanism for NGOs, while international donors are reducing funding for Botswana, in view of its status as a middle-income country. A durable funding solution is essential to ensure that NGOs can continue to provide quality support to communities.
4.3 Science, technology and indigenous knowledge
Improved consultation and joint planning with all stakeholders would also ensure that the technical capacity and know-how present in the country, including indigenous knowledge, appropriate technology and implementing capacity are efficiently used.
| BOTEC’s office building is an example of available appropriate technology. It is one of the few large office buildings in Africa to have used an energy- and water-efficient design. However, the knowledge gained from this project has yet to be adopted in other building projects. |
|
