Vegetation cover is fragile and susceptible to rapid degeneration through over-exploitation.
Wildlife resources are still considerable, but are threatened by the expanding cattle industry. Part I of this report assesses Botswana's natural resource base and describes traditional and modern systems of exploitation of natural resources. Part II summarizes national institutions, policies, and priorities relating to the environment. Appendices contain demographic information from the 1971 and 1981 censuses, an assessment of Botswana's water resources, and a summary of donor projects related to the environment. The report concludes that a major threat to Botswana's environmental future is posed by the traditional value placed on cattle.