25 Mar 2024

In an effort to engage the youth on climate change, the United Nations, in collaboration with Okavango Research Institute, organised a film screening and panel discussion around the critically acclaimed film: High Tide Don’t Hide.

The film screening at Cresta Maun was aimed at raising awareness about climate change and its impact on Botswana’s environment.

The film follows the journey of a community facing the challenge of rising sea levels and served as a catalyst for discussion and reflection on the importance of environmental conservation.

In his welcome remarks, acting deputy director at Okavango Research Institute, Dr Mangaliso Gonde said climate change was a problem that all humanity faced and that there was need to litigate on actions that may reduce global warming. He said all had a role to play to fight the negative effects of climate change.

Following the film, experts from the United Nations and the Okavango Research Institute led discussions on the implications of climate change and the role of the youth in driving positive change. 

The panelists emphasised the need for collective action and innovative solutions to address environmental challenges facing the country. 

For her part, Botswana WildBird Trust Education coordinator, Tjipo Keikitse said educating oneself on matters of climate change was important for  finding out how it affected one and what an individual needed to do to take part in changing the situation for the better. 

She said the cost of inaction was too much and that one needed to be involved in one way or the other because the youth were the ones who would be dealing with disasters of global warming in the next 10 years or so. 

United Nations programme communications and advocacy officer, Nchidzi Smarts highlighted that the film screening and panel discussion served as crucial platforms for dialogue and collaboration.

He said by fostering a culture of environmental awareness and activism among the youth, Botswana could work towards a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.

He also explained that the film was designed to provoke action and that when the tides continued to rise in the film the youth managed to force their leaders to take the necessary action towards a better future for their communities. ENDS