Elephants & Independence backlash: Botswana authorised the killing of 23 elephants across eight districts for 60th Independence Day celebrations, triggering sharp criticism from animal rights groups over conservation risks and fears it could fuel poaching; concerns were also raised about foot-and-mouth disease and how meat was distributed. Conservation governance clash: A public fight is brewing between conservationist Kgosi Khama and the environment ministry after licences were issued for the elephant cull, with the minister insisting Khama has no authority to interfere and that the offer remains valid. Wildlife policy vs livelihoods: The government’s stance is that wildlife use can support communities, but critics argue the move could shift public attitudes toward hunting. KAZA conservation push: KAZA launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity while boosting local enterprises and livelihoods, with support for women, youth and community businesses near protected areas. Water & ecosystems: Namibia’s Kavango water link to Windhoek is still in the Environmental Impact Assessment stage, with transboundary allocation decisions pending outcomes. Safari wellness trend: Great Plains promotes “Wellness in the Wild” experiences in Botswana and across the region, tying restorative activities to time outdoors and nature connection. Regional conservation science: A world-leading ecologist, Stuart Pimm, is set to speak on biodiversity in peril and practical action at an Oppenheimer Research Conference in South Africa. Botswana in the news beyond wildlife: Oyo State (Nigeria) clarified it pulled back from a Botswana maize export plan, citing data showing maize export economics weren’t viable and pivoting to cassava value chains.