the role of tourism in natural resource management in the okavango ...

ineffective in ensuring that all tourist facilities follow sufficient and
environmentally sensitive waste management procedures, and develop the
correct waste management infrastructure, following DOT prescribed
guidelines (Mbaiwa, 2002).
In an attempt to address some of these problems with the DOT's effective
management of tourism areas, Mbaiwa (1999) and Scout-Wilson Consultants (1999)
have made recommendations for the creation and development of a tourism board
(much like the Tawana Land Board in the Ngamiland district) to guide tourism
development in Botswana.
5.4.2.7 The Policy Framework
There is no specific government policy designed for the development of the wildlife­
based tourism industry in Botswana. However, there are two primary government
policies designed for the promotion of tourism development in the country. These
are the Wildlife Conservation Policy of 1986 and the Tourism Policy of 1990
(Mbaiwa, 2002).
5.4.2.8 The Wildlife Conservation Policy of 1986
The Wildlife Conservation Policy of 1986, which is the most recent wildlife utilisation
and management policy, is frequently seen as the blue-print for the re-introduction of
community involvement in wildlife conservation through the implementation of
Community Based Natural Resource Management projects (CBNRM). The Wildlife
Conservation Policy is the precursor to virtually all the changes in wildlife
conservation currently being carried out, and was designed to promote the economic
development of rural areas through the implementation of tourism projects. The
policy recognises the potential value of both consumptive and non-consumptive
uses of Botswana's wildlife resources by the communities living in wildlife areas. The
overall aims and objectives of the Wildlife Conservation Policy include:
• To develop a commercial wildlife industry in order to create economic
opportunities, jobs and incomes for the rural population and to enable more
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