Botswana’s Cheetah Gift to India Signals Fresh Momentum in Conservation Partnership
In a gesture underscoring deepening collaboration on environmental protection, Botswana has transferred eight cheetahs to India as part of the ongoing Project Cheetah initiative, according to an official release from Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The handover took place on Thursday, with Presidents Droupadi Murmu of India and Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana presiding over a ceremonial event at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve. There, the leaders observed the transfer of the animals—sourced from Botswana’s Ghanzi region—into a specialized quarantine enclosure, symbolizing the formal donation.
“This event marks Botswana’s symbolic donation of eight cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah,” the statement noted. “This event signifies the beginning of a new chapter in India-Botswana cooperation in wildlife conservation.”
Project Cheetah, launched to reintroduce the species to India’s grasslands after its local extinction in the 20th century, gains vital reinforcement from this contribution. The effort builds on previous translocations and aims to bolster populations through international partnerships.
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Following the reserve visit, President Murmu engaged with the Indian community in Gaborone at a reception organized by the High Commissioner of India to Botswana. She praised their role in fostering connections between the two nations.
“The people of India are proud of their contributions. They are true cultural ambassadors of India, representing values of hard work, honesty, and harmony that are hallmarks of both India and Botswana,” the statement quoted her as saying.
Murmu encouraged the diaspora to sustain their support for Botswana’s advancement while nurturing ties with their homeland. She highlighted opportunities like the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, inviting them to contribute insights from their experiences to India’s growth.
In her remarks, the President emphasized the foundation of India-Botswana relations: “trust, respect, and shared democratic values.” She revealed that conversations with President Boko had yielded commitments to expand joint efforts in key sectors, including trade, education, health, digital technologies, agriculture, and renewable energy.
This exchange not only advances cheetah restoration but also exemplifies how wildlife diplomacy can propel broader diplomatic and developmental synergies between the two Southern Hemisphere allies.