In the search for sustainable ways to share the planet, Western conservation models often focus on technical fixes or financial incentives. However, a compelling new study published in Volume 55 of Ambio by CCB’s PhD scholar, Otshabile Bahetoleng and her supervisor, Amanda Stronza of Texas A&M University suggests that the key to harmony may lie in an ancient African philosophy. Their paper, 'Botho: A cultural framework for resilient human–wildlife coexistence in Botswana', explores how the traditional principle of Botho can transform our relationship with the natural world.
Botho is a Setswana term that defines a person’s humanity through their connections to others. While often applied to social conduct, the authors argue that this ethos extends to the environment. The research posits that "Botho provides a moral and ethical foundation for coexistence", framing wildlife not as a resource to be managed or a threat to be eliminated, but as a fellow “stakeholder” in a shared landscape.
The paper highlights how the erosion of traditional values has contributed to rising tensions between rural communities and species like elephants and lions. In many instances, modern conservation has “severed the cultural ties that once facilitated tolerance”. By interviewing community members in the Ghanzi District, the authors found that resilience in these systems is highest when “humanity is expressed through respect and empathy for all living beings”.
One of the study's central arguments is that resilience is not just ecological but deeply psychological and cultural. The researchers state that “reclaiming Botho allows for a shift from conflict to a more relational form of coexistence”. This approach moves beyond compensation schemes, which often fail to address the emotional toll of living with wildlife, toward a model where “mutual respect dictates the terms of engagement”.
Ultimately, Bahetoleng and Stronza offer a powerful critique of top-down conservation. They conclude that for coexistence to be truly resilient, it must be “rooted in the cultural identity and ethical frameworks of those who live closest to wildlife”. By integrating Botho into policy, Botswana could lead the way in creating a more compassionate and enduring form of environmental stewardship.
Botho is a Setswana term that defines a person’s humanity through their connections to others. While often applied to social conduct, the authors argue that this ethos extends to the environment. The research posits that "Botho provides a moral and ethical foundation for coexistence", framing wildlife not as a resource to be managed or a threat to be eliminated, but as a fellow “stakeholder” in a shared landscape.
The paper highlights how the erosion of traditional values has contributed to rising tensions between rural communities and species like elephants and lions. In many instances, modern conservation has “severed the cultural ties that once facilitated tolerance”. By interviewing community members in the Ghanzi District, the authors found that resilience in these systems is highest when “humanity is expressed through respect and empathy for all living beings”.
One of the study's central arguments is that resilience is not just ecological but deeply psychological and cultural. The researchers state that “reclaiming Botho allows for a shift from conflict to a more relational form of coexistence”. This approach moves beyond compensation schemes, which often fail to address the emotional toll of living with wildlife, toward a model where “mutual respect dictates the terms of engagement”.
Ultimately, Bahetoleng and Stronza offer a powerful critique of top-down conservation. They conclude that for coexistence to be truly resilient, it must be “rooted in the cultural identity and ethical frameworks of those who live closest to wildlife”. By integrating Botho into policy, Botswana could lead the way in creating a more compassionate and enduring form of environmental stewardship.
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