Botswana National Ecosystem Assessment Technical Report

Abstract

The Botswana National Ecosystem Assessment (BW-NEA) provides the first comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation of the condition, trends and future trajectories of Botswana’s ecosystems, and the contributions they make to the wellbeing and livelihoods of local communities. The assessment strengthens the interface between science and policy by generating policy relevant knowledge to support national and global commitments to sustainable development, including Botswana Vision 2036, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Applying established Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) assessment methodologies, the BW-NEA combines ecological and socio-economic evidence, scenario modelling and spatial analyses to evaluate drivers of change and potential pathways for sustainable futures. The assessment weaves Traditional Knowledge systems with scientific knowledge through participatory community dialogues, ensuring that multiple knowledge systems inform decision making for the stewardship of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Six ecosystems were prioritised (Figure SPM1).