Integrated management of the Cubango-Okavango River Basin

Abstract

The Okavango River originates in Angola and flows inland bordering Namibia, terminating in an inland delta in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana. The Delta constitutes one of the largest Ramsar sites in the world and was designated by UNESCO as its 1000th World Heritage Site in June 2014. It is renowned for its plant and animal life, supporting a tourist industry that is the second largest source of income for Botswana. Until recently the river system was not subject to any large-scale water resource development, but independence from colonial powers, cessation of civil unrest in Angola and growing aspirations of the basin's three countries mean that development of the river system is inevitable. The Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) was created by the Member States in September 15, 1994 and is addressing the challenge of how to develop the river basin for the benefit of all its citizens without unacceptably degrading the nature of this iconic river. Two key early activities were completion of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis that included an Environmental Flows Assessment, followed by the drawing up of a Strategic Action Programme. There are several International Cooperating Partners supporting aspects of basin development as OKACOM enters its second term and the Member States recognise the governance and other challenges that lie ahead.