29th August 2024
Own Correspondent
In the spirit of co-existence and understanding of mother nature’s value chain, it is imperative that local businesses explore biodiversity conservation, community livelihoods, mitigation strategies as well as stakeholder engagement to create inclusive, sustainable solutions.
Exhibitors and stakeholders were advised land is a finite resource, and its use must be carefully planned to balance food production, economic growth, conservation, and our social needs.
Ms. Olebile Makhupe, Bank Gaborone Managing Director, said “We are not just recognizing individual success; we are celebrating the collective drive that pushes all of us to strive for a future where progress and preservation go hand in hand.”
She said, “The theme of tonight’s event, “Building a Sustainable Future: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Protection,” speaks volumes about the challenges and opportunities that lie before us. In our pursuit of economic growth, we often find ourselves at a crossroads— how do we advance without compromising the very resources that sustain us? The answer lies in our ability to innovate and adapt. We must ensure that our progress does not come at the cost of the environment.”
This balance it was revealed was not just desirable; it is essential for the long-term prosperity of our businesses, our communities, and our planet.
“As we celebrate your achievements tonight, we are reminded that the work we do, the choices we make, and the paths we take must always consider the broader impact on our environment and society. With that being said, I am proud to affirm Bank Gaborone’s commitment to the theme,” said Makhupe.
She said, “As global discussions on sustainability gain momentum, green financing emerges as a pivotal tool for driving investments towards environmentally friendly projects and initiatives, bridging the gap between financial markets and environmental stewardship.”
Makhupe maintained that taking on green finance solutions at Bank Gaborone has taught them that environmental protection involves balancing competing considerations to achieve sustainable development. Stakeholders were urged to explore several key topical concepts, particularly in contexts like human-wildlife conflict, land use, food production, and economic growth.
“Human-wildlife conflict often occurs when our wildlife requirements overlap with our needs and this often leads to negative interactions such as crop raiding, livestock predation, property damage, and, in extreme cases, human casualties. Communities in areas of abundant elephant population are all too familiar with this experience,” said Makhupe.
It is important to consider agricultural expansion, urbanization and industrialization which is crucial for economic growth, although it can lead to the loss of arable land and disrupt local ecosystems. It is for this reason that there is a growing need to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing food production.
Some of the opportunities to explore are around the Electronic Vehicle (EV) market and solar energy production. The world over, we have seen the growth of the EV market, which according to Fortune Business Insights has a projected growth of 13.8% by 2032.
Countries like Botswana are ripe to explore EV production by investing in green technology, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management.
Tumisang Mogwe, Board Director, Fairground Holdings, said “Over the past few days, we have witnessed the exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication of our exhibitors. The products and services showcased here not only highlight the economic potential of our nation but also underscored our commitment to sustainable practices. It is evident that Botswana is poised to lead in integrating economic growth with environmental stewardship.”
He said, “This fair has been more than just a marketplace; it has been a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas, fostering collaborations, and inspiring sustainable innovations. The interactions and partnerships formed here will undoubtedly contribute to a more resilient and prosperous future for our country.”
This year’s theme, “Building a Sustainable Future: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Protection,” has truly set the stage for meaningful discussions and innovative solutions.
“As we honour the winners today, we celebrate their excellence and ingenuity. These awards recognize their hard work and their commitment to advancing both our economy and our environmental goals. They remind us that sustainability is not just a goal but a continuous journey that requires dedication, innovation, and collaboration,” said Mogwe.
Strategic partnerships and investments in refining and processing minerals such as litium and cobalt, can create a local EV supply chain. In the same breadth, Botswana’s vast open spaces and high solar insolation provide an excellent opportunity for solar energy production.
By leveraging its natural resources, investing in unique green technologies, pursuing stakeholder engagement, innovative technologies and sound governance, Botswana can achieve mutually beneficial sustainable development. This is where green finance partnerships are critical.
Gorata Gabaraane, Chief Executive Officer of Fairground Holdings, “During the past few days, we have literally engrossed our being here against the theme of “Building a Sustainable Future: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Protection.”
She said, “This theme encapsulates our commitment to fostering progress that respects and preserves our natural world. It is a theme that we adopted due to the ongoing drive for progressive businesses to embrace sustainability strategies in their business. While this is a young initiative at FGH, we decide to use this platform to not only show our commitment to the course but also allow other entities to show up at the BCF in the same light and inspire fellow exhibitors.”
Gabaraane stressed the importance of assuming collective responsibility to balance the imperatives of economic growth with the stewardship of our environment.
As Botswana continues to develop, it is crucial that it adopts sustainable practices that ensure long-term prosperity and ecological balance.
