The National CBNRM Forum aims to fill a niche in the institutional
context of CBNRM in Botswana by providing a platform for dialogue,
support and co-operation that brings together all stakeholders
on an equal footing and on neutral ground. The CBNRM Forum is
based on the common objective to implement Community Based Natural
Resources Management successfully in Botswana and with the understanding
that the process will be beneficial to all stakeholders.
- The Government in its endeavour to bring development
to the rural areas and to conserve natural resources in
Botswana.
- The private sector in tapping all available natural and
human resources for investment purposes.
- The communities in their search for employment and other
income opportunities.
- The NGOs in achieving their objectives as service organisations
and development agents.
Stakeholders of the Forum
 The
National CBNRM Forum is in principle open to all institutions
with the interest in CBNRM in Botswana. The Forum may co-opt
members, establish sub-committees and extend invitations to
interested parties for specific purposes and according to
its Terms of Reference.
The Forum however has a core membership which represents
the five (5) stakeholder groups with a maximum of six (6)
representatives each, CBOs excepted (see table below). At
the Biennial CBNRM Conference, the stakeholders decide amongst
themselves who will represent them in the Forum. The BOCOBONET
Board (15 members) represents the CBOs. Districts are represented
by District CBNRM Forums. At this moment only one district
forum is operational (Ngamiland), hence other districts are
represented by the Technical Advisory Committees. As soon
as District CBNRM Forums have been set up, they will automatically
qualify for membership, replacing the Technical Advisory Committee
of the respective district and not exceeding the quota of
6. The following organisations were elected to be members
of the National CBNRM Forum for the following 2 years.
IIUCN – The World Conservation Union was re-elected
as the National Forum Secretariat. Donor agencies who actively
support CBNRM projects and programmes have observer status
in the Forum.
Aims and objectives of the Forum
The aim of the National CBNRM Forum is to provide a platform
for broad stakeholder dialogue, facilitation, co-ordination
and co-operation on Community Based Natural Resources Management
(CBNRM) in Botswana.
The National CBNRM Forum pursues the following objectives:
1. to further the development of CBNRM in Botswana;
2. to support sustainable development through wise use of
natural resources;
3. to improve stakeholder co-operation and collaboration;
4. to support, monitor and review policy and programme implementation
on CBNRM;
5. to support and enhance CBNRM research and information dissemination;
6. to raise awareness on CBNRM in Botswana; and
7. to promote holistic environmental policies and programmes
in CBNRM.
Functions of the National CBNRM Forum:
1. Discuss and assess relevant legislation, policies and
programmes
2. Facilitate the development of a shared vision for CBNRM
in Botswana
3 .Promote debate on key CBNRM issues
4. Contribute to rationalisation and harmonisation of CBNRM
strategies
5. Facilitate the exchange of information and experience amongst
stakeholders
6. Facilitate dialogue and conflict mediation / resolution
amongst stakeholders
7. Liaise with CBNRM district forums / committees, (inter)ministerial
and other bodies
8. Organise biennial National Conferences on CBNRM
9. Co-ordinate the implementation of conference recommendations
10. Lobby appropriate authorities in relation to policy and
programme implementation on CBNRM
|
