Botswana President Boko Links Natural Diamonds to Okavango River Protection

President Duma Boko addressed a De Beers and National Geographic event in New York on September 23. He said purchases of responsibly sourced natural diamonds help protect the Angolan highlands, the Okavango Basin and more than 20,000 community members. The speech marked the fifth year of the Okavango Eternal partnership and occurred during Climate Week NYC and the UN General Assembly.

By TselaJournal Staff Writer •2 min read

President Duma Boko addressed the joint gathering of De Beers and the National Geographic Society in New York City, marking a milestone in the Okavango Eternal partnership. This event, celebrating five years of a ten-year commitment, coincided with Climate Week NYC and the UN General Assembly sessions, positioning it at the heart of global environmental discourse.

In his remarks, Boko emphasized that choosing natural diamonds is more than a luxury; it is an investment in the Angolan highlands' conservation. These choices are pivotal in preserving the Okavango Basin's source waters and sustaining the livelihoods of over 20,000 people across southern Africa. The river's journey—from Angola's rains through Namibia to Botswana's Okavango Delta—ensures the survival of significant elephant populations due to its predictable flooding patterns.

Boko's participation unfolded amid discussions about De Beers' ownership future. With Botswana holding a 15 percent stake, there is strategic contemplation of increasing this to a majority by 2025. The president portrayed the diamond industry as a strategic asset, highlighting its potential as a national opportunity rather than a mere risk.

President Boko unveiled the next phase of the Okavango Eternal initiative. This expansion will focus on community-driven livelihoods, fostering cross-border tourism, and bolstering habitat protection. It aims to enhance collaboration among Angola, Namibia, and Botswana, advancing scientific conservation efforts while driving job creation.

The event also featured insights from Botswana’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, and Dr. Steve Boyes of the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project. Prince Harry, a patron of Rhino Conservation Botswana, was in attendance, further highlighting the international significance of Botswana’s conservation efforts. Notably, the center diamond in his wife's engagement ring hails from Botswana.

Boko drew a parallel between the formation of diamonds under extreme conditions and Botswana's national journey over the past 60 years. As the country navigates both opportunities and challenges linked to its diamond sector, its story is one of resilience, accountability, and collective advancement.

By TselaJournal Staff Writer

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