Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET)

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) of Botswana is a government body responsible for overseeing environmental protection, sustainable natural resource management, and the development and regulation of tourism in the country. Its mandate reflects Botswana’s commitment to environmental conservation and the sustainable use of its rich biodiversity and natural heritage.

Key Functions and Mandates:

1. Environmental Protection and Conservation

   • Develops and enforces policies and regulations to safeguard Botswana’s natural environment.

   • Implements environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for development projects.

   • Oversees the management of national parks, game reserves, and other protected areas.

   • Promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use practices.

2. Tourism Development and Regulation

   • Facilitates growth and diversification of the tourism sector.

   • Promotes Botswana as a high-value, low-impact tourism destination.

   • Regulates tourism activities to ensure sustainability and environmental integrity.

   • Supports community-based tourism and eco-tourism initiatives.

3. Climate Change and Sustainable Development

   • Coordinates national responses to climate change and implements adaptation and mitigation strategies.

   • Works in alignment with international environmental agreements such as the UNFCCC, CBD, and others.

   • Integrates sustainable development goals (SDGs) into national environmental and tourism planning.

4. Community Engagement and Education

   • Supports community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) programs.

   • Engages local communities in conservation and tourism projects to generate economic benefits.

   • Promotes environmental awareness and education at all levels.

Departments and Parastatals under the Ministry:

Some key entities that fall under or work closely with the MET include:

• Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)

• Department of Tourism

• Department of National Parks and Wildlife

• Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) – responsible for marketing and promoting tourism.

• National Environmental Fund (NEF) – supports environmental projects and initiatives.

Strategic Goals:

• Enhance Botswana’s global profile as a premier eco-tourism destination.

• Achieve a balance between conservation and development.

• Foster public-private partnerships for tourism and environmental management.

• Improve resilience to climate change and environmental degradation.

Hours:

Monday to Friday, except Public Holidays

07:30 – 12:45 & 13:45 – 16:30

Physical Address:

Plot 13064 Government Enclave

Gaborone, Botswana

Postal Address:

Private Bag BO 199

Gaborone, Botswana

Tel:  +267 3647900 / 391 4955

Fax: +267 3951092

Email: MENT_PR@gov.bw

Toll free Number: 0800 600 734

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.mewt199.co.bw/photos

Website: https://www.gov.bw/ministries/ministry-environment-and-tourism