The aim of the first phase was "to create an enabling
environment for sustainable support to Community Based Natural
Resources Management activities undertaken by rural communities
and specifically Remote Areas Dwellers in western Botswana that
equitably include men and women."
The three main objectives of the first Phase of the Programme
were:
1.Establish a focal point for CBNRM in Botswana through support
to the Community Based Organisation (CBO) Network, BOCOBONET;
2. Further inventorise and develop CBNRM project approaches
and best practices and disseminate knowledge regarding implementation
of CBNRM activities through the provision of information and
technical advice to CBNRM actors;
3. Improve dialogue and co-ordination between CBOs, NGOs,
private sector and Government
The first component was based on the belief that the establishment
of the Community Based Organisation Network (BOCOBONET) will
create a forum through which rural community organisations
and support organisations can meet. The CBO network - although
not yet financially sustainable - has secured its position
in the institutional landscape of CBNRM in Botswana. Even
though further organisational development and capacity building
of staff is still required, the network has:
- Increased its capacity to service the needs of its members;
- Improved communication with members and other CBNRM stakeholders;
and
- Increased its capacity to tap funding sources and other
service organisations.
The second element was built on the analysis that the implementation
of CBNRM is still in its infant stage and approaches concerning
community mobilisation, participatory management of natural
resources and enterprise development are not yet well developed.
The CBNRM Support Programme has assisted all stakeholders
with information and technical advice. Lessons learned from
existing experiences were brought together and further developed
into project methodologies or approaches.
The third element was based on the understanding that improved
dialogue between CBOs, NGOs, private sector and Government
would ensure a more effective and efficient support to communities.
Especially the establishment of the National CBNRM Forum proved
to be an important factor in the further development of CBNRM
in Botswana. Examples of the leverage and impact of the National
CBNRM Forum are the input in the review of the Joint Venture
Guidelines in 2002 and the national review of CBNRM in 2003.
The function of the CBNRM Support Programme in support of
the secretariat of the forum was very important in this process.
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