Botswana Ecotourism Certification System.

The Botswana Ecotourism Certification System Standards, introduced by the Botswana Tourism Board (BTB), aim to establish Botswana as a premier sustainable ecotourism destination. These standards are designed to promote environmentally responsible tourism while ensuring high levels of guest satisfaction. The certification system is structured into three levels: Green, Green+, and Ecotourism, each with progressively stringent requirements. The Green level focuses on basic environmental management systems, Green+ includes additional criteria, and the Ecotourism level represents the highest commitment to ecotourism principles and community involvement.
The certification criteria encompass 141 standards, with 70 compulsory for the Green level, 92 for Green+, and all for the Ecotourism level. These criteria address various aspects such as energy conservation, waste management, water use, and community benefits. The principles underlying the certification system include sustainable management policy, green and responsible marketing, minimizing negative environmental impacts, enhancing visitor experience and interpretation, maximizing local community benefits, contributing to conservation, and ensuring effective tour execution.
The certification process involves nine steps, beginning with a self-assessment and culminating in the award of the certificate and logo. Detailed guidelines for the application process, self-assessment, required documentation, and field assessment checklist are provided in the annexures. This comprehensive approach ensures that certified entities adhere to the highest standards of ecotourism and contribute positively to both the environment and local communities.