Arnold Letsholo

Maun, Botswana — Two weeks after the Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) Bill of 2025 passed through Parliament, the Ngamiland Council of NGOs (NCONGO) says it is still waiting to see how the legislation has been amended—and whether it reflects the aspirations of local communities.

Speaking in an interview, NCONGO Executive Director Siyoka Simasiku said the organization hopes the final version of the Bill incorporates feedback submitted earlier this year in a document titled “Community Feedback on the Community Based Natural Resources Management Bill, 2025.

” The eight-page report, compiled after reviewing the draft Bill, was shared with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and members of Parliament.

“The communities raised serious concerns about provisions that could undermine years of progress in community-led conservation,” Simasiku said. “We act in the interest of our members. If there are any more amendments to be made, we will contact our constituents and map a way forward.”

Among the concerns raised were clauses that, according to community-based organization (CBO) members, risk reversing gains made in empowering local communities to manage natural resources sustainably.

A preliminary look at the amendments reveals several changes, including:

•      Clause 2: The definition of “Community Based Organization” now replaces “general public or category of individuals” with “community.”

•      Clause 18: Substantial revisions to paragraphs (a), (b), and sub-clause 2.

•      Clause 20: The Board of a CBO must now appoint a general manager in consultation with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).

•      Clause 21: Educational requirements for board members have been adjusted, and political figures such as MPs, councillors, and kgosis will serve as ex-officio members without voting rights.

•      Clause 22: The maximum term for certain appointments has been reduced from 10 to 5 years.

•      Clause 23: Confidential information may now be disclosed “in the public interest,” aligning with whistleblower protections.

•      Clause 25: Functions previously assigned to the TAC have been removed to preserve community control.

•      Clause 29: Provisions around financial misappropriation have been revised to ensure CBOs retain management of their accounts, with TAC playing a supervisory role.

•      Clause 35: Trust property under the Trust Property Control Act will remain vested in the CBO and administered by its board.

Despite these changes, Simasiku noted that the list of amendments currently with the Attorney General’s Chambers appears shorter than expected, given the breadth of concerns raised.

NCONGO continues to monitor the legislative process and remains committed to ensuring that the final law supports community-driven conservation and governance.