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Ministry of Environment and Tourism

Environmental Filming and Photography Permit

Overview

The service is for those who are looking to produce films or take photographs within environmentally protected areas of the Republic of Botswana. These include all National Parks and Game Reserves. Prospective filmmakers may apply either directly or through a registered Film-fixer. All successful applicants will be required to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Government of Botswana before a permit can be issued. In cases where a Film-fixer submitted the application, the MoA must be signed by the filmmaker themselves, not the fixer.

Who is eligible?

Citizens and non-citizens Film makers, photographers and companies

How do I get this service?
  • Download, complete and submit the Filming Application form
  • The Filming Approval Panel (FAP) reviews the application and makes a recommendation
  • After both parties have signed the Memorandum(MoA) of Agreement, the filming permit will be processed and then dispatched to the applicant, along with a copy of the signed MoA
What supporting documents are required?
  • Citizens - Certified copy of valid national identity card (Omang)
  • Non-Citizens - Certified copy of valid Passport
How long will this service take?

Thirty (30) working days

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

Film Permit fees

Non-Citizens    BWP 10,000.00
Residents

BWP 5,000.00

Citizens

BWP 5,000.00

Photography Permit Fees

Non-Citizens       BWP 1,000.00
Residents Free
Citizens Free
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, developing a hotel in Botswana, Botswana tourism business development, Tourism Act, Department of Tourism, tourist accommodations

Keywords

Environmental filming , photography permit

Synonyms

Film makers , photographers, registered Film-fixer, National Parks and Game Reserves, Wildlife Act of 1992

Ministry submitting this Service

Application for Environmental Assessment (EA) Authorizations

Overview

The service predicts and evaluates environmental consequences of projects, plans, programmes and policies to mitigate negative impacts thus also to enhance positive impacts.

It is guided by the Environmental Assessment Act of 2010 and Environmental Assessment Regulations of 2012. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) refers to environmental assessment report. Botswana Environmental Assessment Practitioners Board is responsible for registration and certification of practitioners as per Section 24 of Environmental Assessment Act of 2010.  Also see Botswana Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association (BEAPA) website (http://www.beapa.org.bw).   

Purpose of Environmental Assessment

  • Is applied to prevent or minimize the adverse effects of major developments proposals
  • It is used as planning tool to promote sustainable development by integrating environmental considerations into a wide range of proposed actions
  • It is a procedural mechanism which provides information that can be used to improve the quality of decision making
  • It guides planners and developers on issues of location, design, size and helps provide alternative solutions
  • It provides an opportunity for Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs) to participate in the planning phase of development activities
Who is eligible?

All persons who wish to undertake or implement activities prescribed under Regulation 3 of Environmental Assessment Act of 2010. (See document Environmental Assessment Regulation)

How do I get this service?

Download, complete and submit a completed Project Brief Form to the nearest Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) office.

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) should review the form and respond through a letter/savingram. The details contained in the form is used by DEA to assess and screen the planned activity and decisions will occur as follows:

  1. Activity may be authorized to proceed without being subjected to a detailed Environmental Assessment study; or
  2. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) may be required prior to project implementation and the following will be required
  • Engage a certified Environmental Practitioner, the list can be found at (http://www.beapa.org.bw/std-content.php?cid=21) at the developer’s expense.
  • The practitioner should develop the EMP in accordance with the EA Act of 2010  and guidelines   provided in the Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2012 ;
  • Submit the draft report to the Department of Environmental Affairs for review and the department should respond through a letter;
  1. A detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study may be required prior to project implementation and this need to be done:
    • Engage a certified Environmental Practitioner, the list can be found at (http://www.beapa.org.bw/std-content.php?cid=21) at the developer’s expense.
    •    The practitioner should publicize the intended activity, its effects and benefits in the  media using the official languages for a period of not less than 21 days;
    •  After the expiration of the period of 21 days, the practitioner should hold meetings with the affected people or communities to explain the nature of the activity and its effects as per Section 7 of EA Act of 2010
    •    The practitioner should develop the first report called the Scoping Report and Terms of Reference (ToR) in accordance with the EA Act of 2010 and guidelines provided in the Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2012.
    •     Submit the draft Scoping report and Terms of Reference to the Department of Environmental Affairs for review.
    •    The practitioner should then develop and submit the draft Environmental Impact Assessment report for review following approval of the Scoping Report and Terms of Reference.
    •    The draft report should be reviewed and response given through a letter.
    •    Where the statement complies with the requirements prescribed, the Competent Authority should place, at the developer’s expense, a notification in the Gazette and in a newspaper circulating at least once weekly using the official languages, for four consecutive weeks, inviting comments or objections from those persons who are most likely to be affected by the proposed activity and other interested person
    •    If the report meets all the requirements considered by the Competent Authority and provisions of the EA Act, the report is approved 
  2. If a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is required prior to implementation of a plan, programme or policy the below need to be done:
    • SEA process follows similar steps as outlined above for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process
What supporting documents are required?
  • Proof of land ownership (title deed, certificate for the plot, lease agreement, prospecting license, etc.)
  • Certificate of incorporation for the company including Share certificate. If applying as an individual, a copy of National Identity document or Passport
  • Location map/sketch map showing project physical location
  • Production process clearly showing all inputs and outputs at each stage of the process
How long will this service take?

Different stages of the Environmental Assessment process are subjected to different review timelines as follows:

  • Project Briefs are reviewed within 10 working days from time of submission
  • Advertisement for Public, Interested and Affected Parties (IAP) Consultation runs for a period of 21 days
  • Scoping reports with Terms of Reference are reviewed within 28 working days
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Environmental Management Plans (EMP) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) are all reviewed within 60 working days
Theme for this service
How much does it cost?
  • Review of project briefs is standard for all activities and is charged at BWP10.00
  • Review of all environmental assessment reports will be related to project cost as follows:
COST CHARGE
Less than P100 000                     

BWP100.00

BWP100 000-P499 999               

BWP100.00

BWP500 000-P999 999               

BWP500.00

BWP1 000 000-P9 999 999          BWP750.00
BWP10 000 000-P49 999 999      BW P1000.00
BWP 50 000 000 or more            BWP1500.00
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, developing a hotel in Botswana, Botswana tourism business development, Tourism Act, Department of Tourism, tourist accommodations.

Keywords

Assessment, Impact, Practitioners, EIA, Activity, Botswana, EIS, Environment.

Synonyms

Environmental Impact Assessment,  Environmental Assessment Regulations of 2012,  Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), positive impacts.

Ministry submitting this Service

Veldt Product Exporters Permit

Overview

The Permit regulates and monitors sustainable utilisation of Veldt Products. A Veldt Product means non-domesticated, vegetative biological resources that may be used for construction, medical, food, cultural activities and firewood. The Permit is valid for 30 days from date of issuance.

Who is eligible?
  • Citizens of Botswana who are 18 years and above
  • Residents with valid resident permits and passports who are 18 years and above
  • Non-residents with valid passports who are 18 years and above
How do I get this service?

Download, complete and submit the Veldt Product Exporters Permit Form to the nearest Department of Forestry and Range Resources office.

What supporting documents are required?
  • Certified copy of National identity card (Omang)
  • Valid residential permit and passport for residents
  • Valid passports for non-residents
How long will this service take?

Three (3) working days.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

Citizens: BWP 500.00

Residents: BWP 1000.00

Non-residents: BWP 2000.00

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, visiting Department of Forestry and Range Resources offices in Botswana.

Keywords

Veldt product, exporters permit.

Ministry submitting this Service

Veldt Product Dealers Permit

Overview

Permit regulates and monitors people who trade/sell/supply veldt products. The permit is valid for 30 days from date of issuance.

Who is eligible?
  • Citizens who are eighteen (18) years and above
  • Residents with valid resident permits and passports, 18 years and above
  • Non-residents with valid passports, 18 years and above
How do I get this service?

Download, complete and submit Veldt Products Dealers Permit Form   to the nearest Department of Forestry and Range Resources office.

What supporting documents are required?
  • Certified copy of national identity card (Omang)
  • Valid residential permit and passport for residents
  • Valid passports for non - residents
How long will this service take?

Three (3) working days.

Where can I obtain this service?

Department of Forestry and Range Resources

Private Bag 00424, Plot 1272, Loapi house, Old Lobatse Road

2nd floor, office 216

Gaborone

Botswana

Tel. +267 3985104

Fax. +267 3954051

Email: dfrr [at] gov.bw

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?
  • Citizens: BWP 50.00
  • Resident: BWP 100.00
  • Non-resident: BWP 300.00
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, visiting Department of Forestry and Range Resources offices in Botswana.

Keywords

Veldt product, dealers permit

Ministry submitting this Service

Veldt Product Harvesters Permit

Overview

The permit regulates and monitors sustainable utilization of Veldt Products. Veldt product means non-domesticated, vegetative biological resources that may be used for construction, medical, food, cultural activities and firewood. The permit is valid for 30 days from date of issuance.

Who is eligible?

Citizens who are 18 years and above.

How do I get this service?

Download, complete and submit Veldt Product Harvesters Permit Form.

What supporting documents are required?

Certified copy of valid National identity card (Omang).

How long will this service take?

Three (3) working days.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?
  • Citizens: BWP 2.00
  • Community Based Organisations: BWP 5.00
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, visiting Department of Forestry and Range Resources offices in Botswana.

Keywords

Veldt product, harvesters permit, Veldt products.

Ministry submitting this Service
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