Over the past few weeks, I have raised formal concerns regarding the upcoming Makgadikgadi Challenge, which is currently being marketed as taking place within the Nata Bird Sanctuary.
My concern is specific.
During the 2025 instalment of this event, sections of the Nata Bird Sanctuary were mechanically graded to create a horse racing track and concert venue within or near recognised flamingo feeding and breeding areas. This type of land alteration, together with large-scale activity and amplified sound, raises serious questions about the suitability of such events within a protected avian habitat.
Following the event, further concerns were observed regarding post-event stewardship. Litter, including broken bottles and other waste, remained uncleared in the area for an extended period exceeding 6 months. There were also concerns about a noticeable scarcity of flamingos in sections where they are commonly seen after the event period. These outcomes reinforce the need for careful environmental assessment and responsible management of any future activities in sensitive habitats.
In response, I have written to:
The outgoing Nata Conservation Trust Board (custodians of the Sanctuary) (term ended April 2026), letter dated 27th February 2026.
The new Nata Conservation Trust Board (elected 17th April 2026), letter dated 27th April 2026.
The Permanent Secretary at The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resource Conservation and Tourism, letter dated 27th February.
The Member of Parliament – Nata Gweta, letter dated 8th January 2026.
The Technical Advisory Board (TAC) to the Nata Conservation Trust, letter dated 27th April 2026
Other local stakeholders.
To date, I have not received substantive responses, while marketing of the 2026 event continues to reference the Sanctuary as its venue.
This is not about opposing development or events in the Makgadikgadi region. In fact, I strongly support responsible investment, tourism growth, cultural events, and new economic opportunities that bring value to local communities. The Makgadikgadi has vast potential for well-planned festivals, sporting events, adventure tourism, and hospitality development in suitable areas and at suitable times. My concern is simply that such growth must be located and timed in ways that do not compromise sensitive feeding and breeding habitats or undermine long-term conservation efforts.
It is about ensuring that:
Sensitive ecosystems are protected
Decisions are transparent and accountable
The community is properly consulted on the use of shared conservation land
Development is sustainable and benefits future generations
The Makgadikgadi Pans, and particularly the Nata Bird Sanctuary, are one of the most important feeding and breeding landscapes for flamingos in Southern Africa. Seasonal gatherings of flamingos, pelicans, and many other migratory and resident bird species create one of Botswana’s most unique wildlife spectacles, drawing birdwatchers, photographers, safari travellers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
This natural attraction has long supported tourism businesses in the area. Lodges, together with guides, camp operators, transport providers, restaurants, craft sellers, and many other local enterprises, have sustained jobs and livelihoods because visitors travel specifically to experience the birdlife and landscape of the Sanctuary.
Their protection is directly linked to the long-term sustainability of tourism and local livelihoods.
We have already seen what strong conservation can do for communities in Botswana.
The Chobe River helped build Kasane into a thriving tourism centre with jobs in lodges, guiding, transport, retail, and hospitality.
The Okavango Delta has done the same for Maun, creating one of the country’s most important economic hubs through conservation-led tourism.
The Nata Bird Sanctuary – with its flamingos, birdlife, and unique landscapes – holds similar long-term potential for Nata and the surrounding communities. But that potential depends on how well the environment is protected and managed today.
At a time when the Nata community is actively engaging with the future governance of its Trust, this is a moment to place stewardship, accountability, and vision at the centre of decision-making.
I encourage residents, stakeholders, and all interested parties to engage constructively on this matter. For the residents of Nata and surrounding villages, a kgotla platform may be an appropriate space for open discussion and shared understanding.
This is about protecting a critical ecosystem – and ensuring that decisions made today do not compromise the opportunities of tomorrow.