SASSCAL 4.0: Botswana Ignites Regional Push for Climate-Smart Land Management
The 4th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) is underway in Botswana.
Botswana is firmly at the helm of regional climate cooperation as the 4th Ordinary Council of Ministers Meeting of the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) convened Thursday morning 12 March 2026 at Royal Aria in Tlokweng. Discussions are centered on evaluating past achievements and designing future strategies that align with the region’s evolving climate realities. The outcomes will help shape SASSCAL’s next phase of regional impact.
“Collaboration is key — this meeting reinforces our shared commitment to climate resilience and sustainable land use across Southern Africa.”
Chairing the meeting, Hon. Boipuso Wynter Mmolotsi, Minister of Environment and Tourism, reaffirmed Botswana’s deep commitment to advancing climate science and adaptive land management across Southern Africa.
“SASSCAL’s mission is not just regional — it’s existential for Botswana. Our semi-arid climate, water scarcity, and land degradation demand science-led solutions — and we’re stepping up to lead that charge.”
Minister Mmolotsi underscored how SASSCAL’s work directly supports Botswana’s national priorities, including Vision 2036, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC-2024), the National Adaptation Plan, and the Climate Change Response Policy. He announced key national commitments:
- Expediting ratification of the SASSCAL Treaty
- Maintaining financial support for the organization
- Accelerating the establishment of a SASSCAL Centre of Excellence in Botswana
- Supporting climate science training for young researchers
- Actively implementing the SASSCAL 3.0 Strategy
As Council Chair, Botswana is leveraging its leadership role to deepen regional partnerships and drive climate resilience across member states — Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Germany — all united under SASSCAL’s mission to combat climate change and land degradation through science, data, and capacity building.
Inspired by the UNFCCC Bali Action Plan (COP13) and backed by the African Union, SASSCAL continues to be a vital engine for evidence-based policymaking, helping Southern Africa turn climate challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.
