Film makers come to Botswana to film animals like wild dogs (Pic By Botswana Tourism)

The Botswana government has suspended the issuance of Environmental Research, Filming and Photography Permits effective from 15th July 2015 up to 15th October 2015.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism (MEWT), the decision will allow government to review the existing guidelines.

“The purpose of this suspension is to allow the Ministry to review the current process and existing guidelines and also align the process to the current Ministry priorities,” the ministry stated.

“However, this decision does not affect the current running permits and all applications received before the above date.”

The ministry further clarified that the Environmental Research, Filming and Photography Permit applies to all commercial and non-commercial filming, photographic and research activities undertaken within national parks, game reserves and protected areas, cultural heritage sites and national monuments under the managerial jurisdiction of MEWT.

The relevant stakeholders in the issue include researchers, institutions, film companies, photographers, media companies, Television networks) and the public.