Debswana and De Beers have joined forces with other international organizations with the noble cause of protecting elephants through the Giants Club summit held in Kasane. The event brought together Heads of State, leading businessmen, conservationists and philanthropists to address the major, long-term challenges facing African elephants.
The event, hosted by the President of Botswana His Excellency Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, also served as a tribute to President Khama who has led the way in demonstrating how an African state can combine economic progress with successful and sustained commitments to conservation.
Speaking at the opening dinner hosted by both Debswana and De Beers, the managing director of Debswana and chairman of Tlhokomela Trust, Balisi Bonyongo, highlighted the plight facing elephants around the world, with over 100,000 killed in just three years for illegal ivory trade.
'I am comforted by this Summit. It shows that there are men and women, nations and organisations that have taken it upon themselves to do something about the protection of our elephants.' He said.
He also said; 'I stand here with optimism and hope; that we will fight this together, put in place the necessary mechanisms and education, and that we will overcome this challenge.'
Debswana has put in place impactful programmes to protect biodiversity around its operations where the mines, the community and animals co-exist. Through good conservation, Ecotourism can boost economic and social development in communities around Botswana, with Tourism having the potential to sustain the economy of Botswana post finite resources like diamonds.