03 Jul 2024

Nestled among the glistening salt pans of Botswana, a remarkable tale of coexistence and ecological equilibrium unfolds.

It is a story that could be  traced back to a mining venture that initially posed a threat to the balance of nature. However, over time, it has evolved into a story of optimism for one of Botswana’s most iconic species—the flamingo bird

Despite the initial scepticism surrounding BOTASH’s mining activities, the company has worked tirelessly to safeguard the health and habitat of the delicate flamingo population, creating a delicate yet vital symbiosis between industry and nature.

It is nothing short of a miracle, cemented BOTASH managing director, Mr Phatshwane Kangangwane.

“Years ago, people were worried that the flamingos would vanish from these shores, but now they flourish in greater numbers than ever before. The careful stewardship of BOTASH has allowed this delicate ecosystem to blossom, and we must all take heed of this remarkable example of human-wildlife cooperation,” added Mr Phatshwane.

He explained at the end of a media tour of the mine that BOTASH’s commitment to flamingo conservation was a shining example of corporate responsibility.

The managing director explained that the company had implemented several measures to ensure the birds’ wellbeing, working in close collaboration with Birdlife Botswana to achieve certain key initiatives.

BOATASH has adopted innovative techniques that minimise the disruption to the flamingos’ habitat, such as using natural brine as a mining medium instead of conventional digging methods.

BOTASH has specially created designated areas within the salt pans that provide essential nestling sites and food sources for the flamingos.

These sanctuaries, monitored by Birdlife Botswana and BOTASH’s environmental team, offer a safe haven for breeding.

BOTASH has also partnered with local schools and community groups to raise awareness about the importance of flamingo conservation by deterring illegal hunting.

Educating local communities about the importance of flamingos and their delicate ecosystem, BOTASH and Birdlife Botswana hope to reduce illegal hunting and poaching, which poses a significant threat to the bird’s survival.

BOTASH has joined hands with Birdlife Botswana in a relationship that will span three years, entailing the development of the flamingo-rich areas of the Makgadikgadi salt pans into viable tourist attractions.

Expanding upon its environmental stewardship efforts, BOTASH has also taken up the mantle of protecting the Makgadikgadi pan’s endangered rhinos.

Mr Patshwane said this initiative, driven by a deep commitment to preserving the country’s natural heritage, aims to ensure that future generations can experience the wonder of these majestic creatures.

“BOTASH’s role as a responsible corporate citizen goes beyond mining.

We recognise the value of our unique ecosystem and we are dedicated to protecting it for the benefit of our children and grandchildren,” he added.

In addition to their conservation, Mr Patshwane said BOTASH was also educating local communities about the importance of rhino protection.

He said by raising awareness about the dangers of poaching and promoting alternative, eco-friendly forms of income-generation, they hoped to reduce the incentive for local residents to engage in illegal wildlife trade.

He said the company was also working closely with conservation organisations to monitor the rhino population, share data on their movements and behaviour, and support veterinary interventions whenever necessary. He said this collaborative approach ensured that rhinos were given the best chance of survival in the face of increasing threats.

The salt mine is located roughly 30km away from a breeding place for the flamingos and is one of the large systems in Botswana where flamingos breed.

Others are Mosu, Mokubilo, Mmea, Mmatshumo, all surrounding the vast Makgadikgadi pans.

BOTASH has become the first corporate entity to support Birdlife Botswana in their aspirations to develop the first flamingo park, which will also be co-owned by the communities and the government.

Birdlife Botswana has already influenced a new conservation policy that recognises co-ownership of game parks by the communities and government, and now the NGO has started the process of acquiring these flamingo breeding places for communities so that they own the land rights and operate tourism facilities.

BOTASH has also committed to releasing its staff to help educate the communities on basic entrepreneurship skills, book-keeping, marketing, customer service, desk office, to prepare them for the envisaged opportunities. In addition, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans is home to some of the world’s most wonderful features that would make the areas a hit with international tourists.

Besides the beauty of flamingos, there is also the Old Khama Ruins, the Fossil Tree, Kokonje Island and Lekhubu Island, which are currently open access areas. ENDS