Mompoloki (Rapps) Morapedi

Kalahari landscape is one of the diverse and unique area in Botswana that needs to be protected because of its cultural dynamics, as the habitats are hunters and gatherers. I was delighted to first handedly witness some communities leaving in the Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) adjacent and in those protected areas. These communities are faced with challenges to balance their personal interests and to protect the natural resource. Henceforth, the Conservation community’s engagement is of key to link these communities with government policies and conservation ethics on development knowledge.i.e on how to sustainably utilize and conserve the natural resources in the Kalahari. They do this through making of necklace and bracelets using ostrich eggshells, making of leather bags using animal hides.
The involvement of Comanis through Tanate Sustainable Development Organization is playing a very crucial role by developing Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) projects to benefit the community’s livelihoods and of wildlife in these landscapes.
I am delighted to be part of Comanis involvement towards community conservation development in the Kalahari landscape.



Mompoloki “Rapps” Morapedi, Community Conservation and Liaison Coordinator