Diamonds have been produced from Botswana for many years, but now some experts are fearing that the reserves of diamonds could be exhausted in twenty years time.
According to a recent report by the BBC, the diamonds in Botswana may soon be replaced by the massive income tourism could bring to the country.
Although there would be less diamond rings originating from the country, the country’s government are planning to invest in strategies to bring more tourists to the country. It is hoped that the gap left to the economy when the diamonds disappear will be met by tourism.
To replace the income from the diamond industry, the government are hoping that more foreigners will be encouraged to come to the country to go on safaris and see some of the wildlife in natural surroundings.
At present, the safari holiday sector has been kept to a very exclusive, low volume level ever since the introduction of a policy in the early 1990s. This was at a time when officials were concerned about protecting the welfare of the animals in their natural habitats.
Now, the government has to come up with plans to develop the tourism sector without damaging these ideals or affecting the natural landscape of the country.
Speaking to BBC News, Myra Sekgororoane from the Botswana Tourist Organisation says it is vital the number of tourists visiting the country does not interfere with the natural balance.
She said: “There is a balancing act between temptation to over-commercialise and make a lot more revenue today when the demand is high.”
The government has also stated that it will be sure to not flood areas with mass tourism asit plans to encourage growth in areas where there is already room available for the sector to grow.