Botswana Climate Change Network:

Leading A Climate Action Movement

By Lorraine Kinnear

We should all be concerned about climate change as its impact affects all of us. Our world has recently experienced a series of worrying climaterelated events that implore individuals and communities to become proactive about their contribution to slowing the planet’s degradation. At the forefront of this movement is a civil sector player, Botswana Climate Change Network (BCCN), and to delve deeper into the work of this Network, The Responsible Citizen conversed with the organisation’s Public Relations and Communications Officer, Boitumelo Pauline Marumo.

The Botswana Climate Change Network is a non-government organization that was formed to strengthen citizen participation in environment and sustainable development programs, with a specific interest on the climate change agenda. The overall objective of the Network is to create an interface between marginalized and non-marginalised communities through employment creation, improved information and knowledge sharing, support provision, networking, and advocacy in addressing climate change, environmental management, and energy for sustainable development.

BCCN maps and locates needs within the national framework of policy formulation, working with relevant ministries and authorities to respond to the identified needs. They work to also encourage citizens to be active participants and movers of policy formulation processes.

The Network thrives to ensure that people from different walks in Botswana are equal recipients and beneficiaries of effective policies. The formulation of a people-centered agenda enables everyone to focus on issues affecting them, mobilising each other to address problems as they contribute to societal developments.

Partnerships for impact at BCCN

Botswana Climate Change Network has over the years created a network of partners at the national and regional levels with whom it collaborates with for specific projects and advocacy initiatives. Since its inception, the organisation has been engaged in various advocacy and demonstration projects in the country. BCCN has previously carried out demonstration projects on climate-smart agriculture in partnership with Somarelang Tikologo. Furthermore, the Network engaged women small-scale farmers in Kgatleng and Central Districts on resilience and resilience capacity building initiatives, as well as exchange programs in collaboration with Earthlife Africa (South Africa) and Oxfam (Kenya, South Africa, and Botswana), CARE International, and United Nations Women Southern Africa.

The Network is currently implementing the Guard Africa Project funded by the Swedish International Development Agency, and the International Climate Initiative (IKI) project funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. Such initiatives have been inclusive of youth, village development committees, and local communities. This inclusive approach is important for the organization, as these groups of people can carry out the required advocacy for the climate change agenda.

BCCN also participates in the UNFCCC climate change negotiations and Africa Climate Talks. Members of the Organization have been participating in regional and global climate talks since 2011. And through the organisation’s collaboration with regional bodies such as the Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), members can track and advise on policy, fulfilling their role as resource persons in effecting policy formulation and implementation.

Members of BCCN have previously benefited from the training offered by various partners, such as the Cohort 3 of the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice by the PACJA, where Boitumelo Pauline Marumo was one of the 2 Batswana selected for an in depth 2-week capacity building program. This training ran from 2 to 15 July 2023 at the Kenyatta University in Kenya.

Project milestones at BCCN

Key projects that are being undertaken in Botswana by BCCN include the implementation of the Greening Women Enterprises: Decentralised Renewable Energy Products and Services project, which is being funded by the United States Embassy. This project covers capacity building programs for grassroots women in Botswana, Lesotho and eSwatini. Women participants from this project are equipped with skills to run their small business in a sustainable manner, to incorporate circular economy principles in their daily activities and they also receive training on the use of renewable energy products.

The Enhancing Innovative Initiatives for Adaptation Through Demonstration of Self Powered Agro-Photovoltaic Vertical Hydroponic Liquid Compost System in Communities Within the Makgadikgadi Framework Management Plan, also known as the Gweta Project, is funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) GEF Small Grants Fund. It aims to empower 120 community members from 9 villages in the Makgadikgadi area by introducing opportunities in climate-smart agriculture. The project also aims to improve community members’ professional and entrepreneurial capacity to pursue opportunities in the agricultural sector, while facilitating the development of a network of partners.

The Network through its online platforms and media partners provides climate change information, education, and communication though the use of blogs, articles, research papers and real time sharing of global news in relation to the planet. This is in efforts to provide contextualised information, which is relevant to Botswana and explains in simple terms, the negative impacts of climate change experienced by the country, the approach to combatting threats, and global mitigation and adaptation measures.

Raising awareness through recognition of efforts

The BCCN makes it a point to honour global commemorations such as the World Environment Day. In 2023, BCCN recognised the companies involved in circular economy practices by hosting a #BeatPlasticPollution exhibition at the Main Mall, Gaborone. This event was graced by Enviro Recovery Botswana, a company that specialises in collecting plastic waste to manufacture materials such as plastic chairs, as well as Eco Zera Pencils, a local company that produces graphic pencils made from recycled paper. Some projects are implemented in rural Botswana that teach local communities about their role in climate action.

“Our tree planting and reforestation initiatives allows us to collaborate with local communities such as Good- hope and Medie to plant trees in efforts to help combat deforestation, enhance carbon sequestration and promote biodiversity conservation,” Boitumelo shared.

Moving ahead towards a productive future in fostering community involvement

BCCN plans to continue the efforts with all current partners through various activities, most of which are named above. The Network will continue to host workshops and training programs to educate members and the general public about climate change impacts, adaptation strategies and mitigation techniques. Through online platforms and media partners, BCCN conducts public awareness campaigns to spread the message about the importance of climate action.

Furthermore, the Network is implanting community resilient projects for community-based climate change adaptation in vulnerable areas. This involves supporting sustainable livelihoods, promoting access to services, and enhancing readiness and response to climate change impacts. Through the power of storytelling and sharing lived experiences, Botswana Climate Change Network is also to publish a series of stories through an online booklet called African Women’s Voices. Through this initiative, BCCN is collecting stories from women in Africa who are involved in climate action and those affected by climate change.

The Network has noted several activities left in their 2023 calendar such as the World Habitat Day commemoration, which will have a series of workshops at local schools created for climate change awareness. They urge communities and individuals to engage with the Network across social media platforms, subscribe for membership and practice sustainable living in our daily lives and communities.

“We all have a responsibility to protect our planet, efforts, no matter how small all add to a collective great effort,” urged Boitumelo. “As the Botswana Climate Change Network, our passion and dedication lie in forging a resilient future for Botswana in the face of climate change. Through our collective efforts, we strive to raise awareness, drive action and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, such that together we can create a greener, more sustainable Botswana, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between nature and communities for generations to come,” she added.

Empowering Botswana's Youth to Combat Climate Change: Join the Local Conference of Youth 2023

As the world grapples with the ever-increasing threats of climate change, there is a glimmer of hope shining from Botswana as the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) gears up for its landmark event in 2023 With a resolute mission to empower young minds and instigate climate action, the LCOY Botswana is calling on the nation's youth to step up and make a difference.

Set to be held on the 29th and 30th of August 2023 at the prestigious University of Botswana, the LCOY Botswana aims to create an unparalleled platform for young people to engage in workshops, panels, and discussions surrounding climate change. Under the theme "Enhancing for Sustainable Development in Botswana," this gathering is a crucial s of our youth in the battle against climate crisis

The significance of this event cannot be overstated. Organized by este Shapers Community - Gaborone Hub, Sustain267, Green Habitat Botsw Change Network, the LCOY Botswana stands as a beacon of hope for it is aligned with the Youth Climate Movement or International Youth Cl an endorsement from the United Nations Framework Convention on Cl

Pato Kelesitse, the chair of the LCOY organizing committee, expresses excitement and anticipation: "We are thrilled to be hosting the LCOY Botswana in 2023. This event is a unique opportunity for young people come together and learn from each other about climate change. We h that the LCOY will inspire young people to take action on climate chan and make a difference in their communities "

The LCOY Botswana represents not just an event but a movement a movement led by the youth, for the youth It is an endeavor to amplify t voices and ideas of young individuals who will inherit the consequence climate change. By providing them with an avenue to network, collabor and share knowledge, this conference seeks to nurture the next generation of climate activists and leaders

The LCOY Botswana stands as a testament to the collective responsibility we share to safeguard our planet for future generations Together, let's embrace this momentous opportunity and shape a brighter, greener future for Botswana.

Join us at the LCOY Botswana 2023, where the potential of our youth will meet the urgency of our planet's needs For more information and registration, please email globalshapersgc@gmail.com or botsccn@gmail.com.

Let's unite as one in the fight against climate change, and together, we can forge a sustainable and resilient future for Botswana and beyond.