The Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area launched an Energy Efficiency Network in Kasane, Botswana, on Thursday.

The project is aimed at assisting selected enterprises in Chobe district, Kasane in Botswana, and lodges in the Zambezi Region to identify suitable energy and carbon dioxide-saving technical solutions.

The twelve enterprises that entered into an agreement with KAZA will also be provided with expert information on available energy-efficient and renewable energy.

The enterprises expressed satisfaction that the energy efficiency network will go a long way toward decreasing electricity costs.

KAZA Executive Director, Dr. Nyambe Nyambe, says there's a commitment on the part of all the establishments to invest in and sustain the energy efficiency network.

The energy efficiency network will be extended to other KAZA members after 24 months of piloting with willing enterprises in Botswana and Namibia.

Nyambe stressed that more interventions will be needed as the implementing countries and agencies continue to share experiences for the benefit of the public sector, conservancies, tourism, and people living within lodge areas.

"The energy sector presents vast opportunities through the various initiatives and interventions that are going to be implemented as part of these initiatives."

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism's Spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, says it is clear that community conservation in Namibia plays a crucial role in enhancing livelihoods at the grassroots level and is hoping that the energy efficiency network project will address the energy challenges faced by community-based organizations.

Muyunda emphasized that the project will enhance the capacity to reduce consumption and production costs for community projects.