WILDERNESS INJECTS P4.8 BILLION INTO BOTSWANA ECONOMY, DEEPENS CONSERVATION COMMITMENT

Article By: Rorisang Mogojwe

Eco-tourism operator Wilderness has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, revealing it has injected over P4.8 billion in foreign exchange into Botswana’s economy over the past decade.

At a stakeholder engagement in Gaborone this week, Board Chairperson Kabelo Binns said Wilderness is focused on conservation that benefits both people and wildlife.

Key contributions include:

P1.2 billion in wages to a largely citizen workforce

P305 million in concession fees to government and communities

P1.8 billion in local procurement under its 85% local sourcing policy

97 conservation and community projects valued at P29 million, supported through the Wilderness Trust

The company’s Children in the Wilderness programme has reached over 2,300 learners since 2001, with many now employed in tourism. During COVID-19 and recent droughts, Wilderness also delivered over 10,000 food parcels to affected communities.

Chief Risk and Corporate Affairs Officer Derek de la Harpe said the company’s impact is anchored on the pillars of Empower, Educate, and Protect.

Wilderness also announced plans to launch a farm in Shorobe to supply its camps with fresh produce, aimed at enhancing food security and increasing local economic participation.

Since 2016, Wilderness has invested over P700 million in Botswana and says it remains committed to building a conservation economy that works for both people and nature.