Botswana

Botswana MSB Regional meeting, 2006.

Botswana possesses a flora of about 2,300 higher plant species.

Given the country's rapid economic development (average growth of 13% per annum since 1968), and its susceptibility to drought and desertification (Kalahari desert), these species are under increasing threat. The major threats to plants in Botswana are urban expansion, non-sustainable harvesting, collecting, overgrazing/browsing and desiccation.

Botswana currently has 43 species on its national Red Data list. Of these, 13 are confirmed as threatened (critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable) and 22 are of uncertain status. There are an estimated 15 endemic species in Botswana, which are vulnerable due to their limited distribution.

Collecting training in Botswana, 2006

Since the signing of an Access and Benefit Sharing Agreement with partners in February 2003, Botswana's threatened or endemic species are in the process of being clasified, and seeds are currently conserved in long term ex situ collections. Overall, the MSB project is seeking to securely collect and conserve about 400 of these species in five years. In addition, the project aims to develop ex situ living collections of rare and threatened plants. Thus, particular emphasis is paid to developing germination and propagation protocols.

Regional collecting training in Botswana, 2006

Capacity building activities are underway, in particular in-country training in collecting and seed processing, formal training (e.g. Seed Conservation Techniques course), placements at RBG Kew and training of post graduates for higher degrees. Botswana partners are investigating for example, the impact of polluted environment on seed and seedling quality, and the germination and storage longevity of a number of priority species (e.g. Faurea saligna, Olea africana). New equipment for seed testing and conservation has been installed at the National Plant Genetic Resources Centre, and at the National Tree Seed Centre. RBG Kew staff have trained partners in its proper use and help design priority seed research programmes for the country.