Botswana, known worldwide for its pristine landscapes — from the Okavango Delta to the Kalahari Desert — is also home to a vibrant arts scene. Increasingly, artists and cultural organizations are using creativity as a tool to raise awareness about sustainability, climate change, and conservation. By blending traditional crafts, recycled materials, and ecological storytelling, Botswana’s artists are proving that art can both celebrate heritage and inspire greener futures.
Botswana’s cultural heritage already embodies principles of sustainability:
Weaving and basketry: The iconic Okavango baskets, made from locally sourced palm leaves and natural dyes, reflect deep ecological knowledge and resource stewardship.
Rock art: San/Baswara (Bushmen) rock paintings across the Tsodilo Hills are among the world’s oldest art forms, illustrating a spiritual connection to land, animals, and the cycles of nature.
Craft traditions: From pottery to wood carving, artisans have long used renewable local materials and processes adapted to Botswana’s environment.
These traditions form the foundation for modern eco-art practices.
Urban artists in Gaborone and Maun are experimenting with scrap metal, discarded plastics, and electronic waste to create sculptures, installations, and furniture. These works not only reduce waste but also open public conversations about pollution and recycling.
Cultural NGOs and schools use creative workshops to teach children about wildlife conservation, climate change, and water scarcity. Art becomes a hands-on way to build ecological literacy and community responsibility.
Local designers are reintroducing traditional weaving techniques, plant dyes, and upcycled fabrics into fashion collections. Craft cooperatives led by women in rural areas are strengthening livelihoods while promoting sustainable entrepreneurship.
Events like the Maun International Arts Festival and Thapong Visual Arts Centre exhibitions have featured works on sustainability, recycling, and conservation, linking Botswana’s thriving cultural scene with its environmental realities.
Thapong Visual Arts Centre (Gaborone) – the country’s largest art hub, often hosts exhibitions and workshops on eco-art, recycling, and environmental themes.
Maun International Arts Festival – bringing together poets, painters, and performers, often highlighting conservation issues tied to the Okavango Delta.
Local basketry cooperatives (Ngamiland region) – globally recognized for Okavango baskets, they are now promoting fair trade and eco-tourism as sustainable models.
Young street artists in Gaborone – increasingly using murals to address themes of plastic pollution, wildlife protection, and urban greening.
While Botswana’s sustainability arts are growing, artists face obstacles:
Limited access to funding for eco-art projects.
Recycling infrastructure gaps that restrict materials.
Need for stronger national frameworks linking culture and environmental policy.
Economic pressures that make sustainable practices less accessible for some artists.
The future of sustainability and arts in Botswana is full of promise:
Cultural tourism: Eco-art can enhance Botswana’s tourism sector, offering visitors not only safaris but also cultural-ecological experiences.
Education: Expanding school art programs with environmental themes could nurture a generation of eco-conscious creators.
Global exchange: Botswana’s artists can connect with other African and international eco-art networks to amplify visibility.
Policy alignment: Including art in climate strategies could give artists a stronger role in national development.