New Nations and Old Parks

Conclusion

Whatever the rationales for the removal of the Basarwa from the reserve may be, the confrontation between the government of Botswana and the Basarwa over Central Kgalagadi is a manifestation par excellence of the unresolved relations between parks and people. Notwithstanding pressure on the Botswana government, and the roles of NGOs and mining interests, the wishes and interests of the local community have been compromised. There are reports that the Basarwa have not been sufficiently consulted, for instance. This is evidence that there has been little or no change in the treatment of local people in and around national parks and reserves. This has occurred partly because of power relations that are anchored in property rights. Chapter 5 below highlights the complex nature of those rights and the power that is embedded in them.