SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
MODULE 3: INVESTIGATE SUSTAINABLE
UTILISATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN
BOTSWANA
LO 3.1: EXAMINE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
PC 3.1.1 DISCUSS THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Definition of Sustainable Development:
Sustainable development is the process of meeting the needs of the present generation
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It focuses on
balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
Importance / Key Principles of Sustainable Development:
Intergenerational equity: Ensuring that future generations have access to the same
resources and opportunities as the current generation.
Environmental Sustainability: Protecting and managing natural resources (air, water,
land, biodiversity) to prevent degradation. This includes reducing carbon footprints,
managing waste, conserving water, and maintaining ecosystems.
Economic Sustainability: Ensuring economic growth that does not deplete natural
resources or harm the environment. This includes promoting green technologies,
renewable energy, and circular economies.
Social Sustainability: Creating inclusive societies where all individuals have access to
basic needs such as education, healthcare, and employment. It focuses on equity,
social justice, and improving quality of life for all people.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 to address global challenges. Some key SDGs include:
Goal 1: No poverty: end poverty in all its forms everywhere
Goal 2: Zero hunger: end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote
sustainable agriculture.
Goal 3: Good health and well being: ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all
ages.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Goal 4: Quality education: ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote
lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Goal 5: Gender equality: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation: ensure availability and sustainable management of water
and sanitation for all.
Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy: ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and
modern energy for all.
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth: promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable
economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Goal 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure: build resilient infrastructure, promote
inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.
Goal 10: Reduced inequalities: reduce inequalities within and among countries.
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities: make cities and human settlements inclusive,
safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production: ensure sustainable consumption and
production patterns.
Goal 13: Climate action: take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Goal 14: Life below water: conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine
resources for sustainable development.
Goal 15: Life on land: protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,
sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt biodiversity loss.
Goal 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions: promote peaceful and inclusive societies for
sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and
inclusive institutions at all levels.
Goal 17: Partnership for the goals: strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the
global partnership for sustainable development.
PC 3.1.2 DISCUSS WAYS OF ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Promote sustainable planning
Environmental protection
Promote green technology- green technology/ clean technology is development and
use of products and processes that are environmentally and sustainable.
Renewable resources
Reduce greenhouse gases
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
PC 3.1.3 ANALYSE THE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH ACHIEVING
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BOTSWANA
Challenges to Sustainable Development:
ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
Dependency on diamond revenue
High levels of unemployment especially to the youth
Small domestic private sector which is focused on non-tradable goods limiting
economic diversification.
Political and Economic Systems: Unfair economic systems, lack of international
cooperation, and political instability can hinder progress toward sustainability.
SOCIAL CHALLENGES
Poverty and Inequality: Social and economic inequalities prevent the achievement of
social sustainability, especially in developing regions.
Health care and education outcomes
Overpopulation: Growing global population increases demand for resources and
accelerates environmental degradation.
Rural access
ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
Climate Change: Global warming due to human activities leads to rising sea levels,
extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity.
Resource Depletion: Overconsumption of natural resources (e.g., fossil fuels, water)
threatens long-term sustainability.
Water scarcity
PC 3.1.4: SUGGEST STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
IN BOTSWANA
Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Development:
Renewable Energy Transition: Investing in solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy
to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting practices such as organic farming, agroforestry,
and reduced use of pesticides to protect soil and water resources.
Circular Economy: Reducing waste by reusing, recycling, and redesigning products
for longevity, rather than promoting a “take, make, dispose” model.
Green Infrastructure: Implementing eco-friendly urban planning, such as green
buildings, sustainable transport, and waste management systems.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
International Cooperation: Collaboration between nations, businesses, and
communities to share knowledge and resources, and to address global challenges like
climate change and inequality.
Invest in non-mining sectors to reduce dependency on one economic sector.
Support small and medium entrepreneurs so that they can make profitable businesses.
Improve education and health care for better service delivery.
CASE STUDIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
1. GLEN VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT BY WATER
UTILITIES CORPORATION
The Gaborone Glen Valley Wastewater treatment plant is the first of its kind in
Botswana based on the activated sludge process of wastewater treatment. It has a
capacity of 40 000m3 of sewage daily. It serves Gaborone and its environment with a
population of about 400 000 people. It is also the final receptable for industrial
effluent from the new manufacturing industries in Gaborone and surrounding enclave.
At Gaborone Glen Valley treatment plant, incoming effluent received at the plant is
mixed with vacuum tanker discharges from the city, sieving of coarse and foreign
materials such as polythene bags, condoms and in extreme cases, very bizarre objects
such as aborted foetuses are removed at the coarse and fine screens.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS BY THE PLANT
Resolution of odour issues through the installation of two odour control
systems
Rehabilitation of the sewerage collection network to ensure efficient
wastewater collection to the Glen Valley wastewater treatment plant.
Construction of a new chamber to the Broadhurst pump station
Replacement and repair of old sluice gates
For residents of Gaborone North and the surrounding areas who have long
expressed concerns about water quality and persistent odours emanating from
the wastewater treatment plant, the successful rehabilitation of the sewerage
plant offers hope for closure to these enduring issues. The odour was affecting
the BDF Glen Valley Camp, residents of Phakalane, the entire Tsholofelo area
and neighbouring areas.
2. Costa Rica's Conservation Efforts: Costa Rica has successfully implemented policies
to preserve rainforests and protect biodiversity while promoting eco-tourism.
3. Germany's Energy Transition (Energiewende): Germany is a leader in promoting
renewable energy and has committed to phasing out nuclear energy in favour of
sustainable sources.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
4. The Netherlands' Flood Protection Measures: The Netherlands has developed
innovative methods, such as sea walls, flood barriers, and controlled water
management, to cope with rising sea levels.
Sustainable Development in the Future:
Technological Innovations: Advances in renewable energy, biotechnology, and artificial
intelligence may help to address sustainability challenges.
Local Action and Global Impact: While global policies are important, local action (e.g.,
community-based conservation projects) can drive real change.
Education and Awareness: Promoting environmental literacy and sustainability practices
among individuals, businesses, and governments is key to ensuring a sustainable future.