Botswana's updated fees for protected areas have generated US$7.8 million in the first year, significantly exceeding the original forecast of US$1.8 million. The new fee system, introduced in April 2022, was developed in collaboration between the Government of Botswana and BIOFIN.
With over 40% of Botswana's land designated as national parks and game reserves, these areas are vital to both the country’s economy and global efforts to preserve nature and ecosystem services. Local communities rely on these natural resources for clean water and income from tourism.
Park entry fees are an important source of revenue for conservation and local employment. These fees have not been reviewed for over 20 years, resulting in a significant loss of revenue. A study by BIOFIN Botswana revealed that regularly reviewing the fees could generate an important revenue stream for biodiversity conservation.
“We are neither maximizing our benefits for the conservation and management of our natural assets nor promoting sustainable economic growth if tourists have to pay the same fees as they did two decades ago to visit these natural wonders and experience the unique wild places we have to offer here in Botswana,” said Dr Cyril Taolo, Acting Director of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
The Botswana Biodiversity Finance Plan proposed a solution: revising the fees. BIOFIN led the effort, developing a business case in collaboration with the government, which approved the review. A benchmarking exercise compared Botswana’s fees with those of other countries, considering fee amounts, the type of fees and the frequency of reviews. After extensive stakeholder consultations, the new fees were approved for implementation in 2021 and came into effect in April 2022.