The reserves enable the country to meet its obligations to make payments in foreign exchange and prevent disruptive volatility in the exchange rate. This is particularly important for a country like Botswana. As a small economy, heavily dependent on the export of a narrow range of resources, it is vulnerable to economic shocks. This was clearly seen in late 2008 and early 2009 when diamond exports virtually ceased due to the global economic slowdown; however, with the reserves as a cushion, imports to the country could continue without interruption. This vulnerability necessitates a higher level of reserves being maintained than would be the case in a more diversified economy. The reserves are also in large part the counterpart of savings by the Government, providing a cushion for gradual adjustment to sharp fluctuations in government revenue and/or expenditure. In addition, the foreign reserves largely arose from sales of diamonds. Since these are non-renewable, it makes sense to treat the proceeds as long term investment that should be invested for the benefit of both current and future generations. (See also foreign reserves.)