1 August 2025
In a major step towards reopening the long-dormant Maun Educational Park (MEP) to the public before the year’s end, the Fauna Conservation Trust of Ngamiland (FCTN) has announced a collaborative initiative supported by Chobe Holdings Limited.
The conservation trust’s Director of Environmental Education has embarked on a 10-day benchmarking visit to South Africa’s uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, managed by the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA).
The benchmarking mission, made possible by financial sponsorship from Chobe Holdings, is designed to help the MEP’s leadership gather best practices in Environmental–STEAM (E-STEAM) curriculum development, resource mobilisation, and community-led park management. The ultimate goal: to rejuvenate the park as a vibrant educational and ecological space for Ngamiland and beyond.
“This is more than just a study visit,” explained Tiego Mpho, Executive Director of the FCTN.
“We’re laying the groundwork for the park’s future. We hope to not only apply lessons learned but to also establish a twinning arrangement between MEP and WESSA, creating a long-term growth pathway.”
Originally handed over by the government to the local community through the FCTN in 2019, the Maun Educational Park has remained idle, facing operational and funding hurdles. The renewed momentum, bolstered by Chobe Holdings’ involvement, signals a turning point.
“We’re dedicated to seeing the Maun Education Park thrive,” said MC Odumetse, Group Managing Director of Chobe Holdings Limited.
“Our sponsorship of the Fauna Conservation Trust of Ngamiland director’s trip to South Africa underscores Chobe Holdings’ commitment to supporting this vital community initiative.”
Beyond technical skills and curriculum design, the trip will expose the Environmental Education Director to effective models of stakeholder engagement and park sustainability. The FCTN envisions a future where the MEP offers immersive environmental experiences to students, researchers, and tourists alike.
“I look forward to the official opening of the MEP, where Chobe Holdings and other friends of the park shall be duly recognised for their outstanding support,” Mpho added.
With strong community backing, institutional partnerships, and corporate sponsorship, the reopening of the Maun Educational Park is shaping up to be a defining success in Botswana’s conservation and education landscape.
Source: The Okavango Express via Facebook
