Botswana's Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the UNDP/UNEP Poverty-Environment
Initiative (Botswana) and the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, in collaboration with
IIED, organised a two-day workshop on a green economy on 7-8 September 2011.

The dialogue brought together 60 participants across a range of stakeholder groups to discuss the
relevance and meaning of a green economy in the context of Botswana. Participants discussed the
linkages between the economy and sectors dependent on natural resource management including
agriculture, tourism, water and energy. They explored the opportunities offered by a green economy
for job creation and poverty alleviation in these key sectors.

During the workshop, participants decided on 10-point vision for a green economy in the context of
Botswana:

• Botswana's competitiveness is improved through a preferential focus on diverse, productive
  and sustainable operations.
• Stakeholders are well-networked so that information flows improve, innovation increases, and
  partnerships form to achieve shared goals.
• Citizens and poor people in particular are empowered and thrive in the economy through
  decent jobs and livelihoods.
• Government incentivises a GE through enabling conditions, setting high standards across the
  sectors, and runs its own operations in a consistent (green and ethical) manner.
• Botswana private sector leads growth, takes initiative and transforms itself to become more
  efficient and inclusive; domestic investment is mobilised, and responsible foreign investment
  is attracted, towards green infrastructure, goods and services.
• Major issues are properly mainstreamed like environment and poverty reduction and there is
  strong leadership to move to action.
• Resilience is improved through planning that takes a more integrated, coherent and future /
  outward looking approach.
• Accountability of all stakeholders is improved, through transparent information on resource
  stocks, flows and damages and a robust legal framework.
• Built on solid knowledge, scientific and cultural principles including indigenous knowledge
  and Botho (humanity, respect, courtesy, community, dignity, cultured).
• Internationally secure and responsible – cognisant of, and contributes to, Botswana's
  dependence on and role in the region and the world.

Click here for a report on the workshop

Click here for more information about the Botswana workshop on a green economy