All mineral rights in Botswana are vested in the state and the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources (MMEWR) is mandated with ensuring that the country’s mineral resources are disposed of in a fair manner and in the public interest. The Government charges mining companies for the exploitation of mineral resources and the revenue it collects is used to provide public services, enhance human capital and boost economic growth in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan. The following table shows the contribution made by various sectors to the country’s Gross Domestic Product by sector (percentages)51 Sector Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing Mining Manufacturing Electricity, gas and water Construction Wholesale and retail trade, and hotels and restaurants Transport. Storage and communication Finance, real estate and business services Public administration, education, health and social work, and community, social and personal services Other services Gross domestic product at basic prices 2008 2.8 29.2 6.3 1 5.5 14.8 4.9 13.8 16.1 2012 2.9 21.9 6.4 -0.5 7.4 16.2 6.2 15.9 16.4 2013 2.3 22.4 5.2 -0.2 6.3 14.9 5.5 13.9 20.9 5.7 100 6.8 100 8.2 100 Revenues from mineral exports, especially diamonds52, have significantly contributed to the country’s economic development. ARTICLE 24 RIGHT TO SATISFACTORY ENVIRONMENT FAVOURABLE TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Botswana’s commitment to the sustainable management of natural resources is supported by various legislations and policies such as: a. b. c. d. 51 National Policy on National Resources Conservation and Development Community Based Natural Resource Management Policy Wildlife Conversation Policy Game Ranching Policy Sources: Bank of Botswana Annual report 2014, African Economic Outlook 2014 (Botswana) 52 Diamonds have within the last decade contributed well over 80% to the total export value followed by copper/nickel, soda ash/ salt, coal and gold. 68 | P a g e