14 Aug 2024

The United States (US) embassy has officially handed over a high-resolution aerial survey to the Okavango Research Institute (ORI) to bolster research in climate change, national planning, and disaster prevention and response.

The three-dimensional geospatial data, collected by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 2023, aims to support the management of water and natural resources by providing baseline high-resolution colour imagery and elevation data.

During the handover ceremony, Colonel Mark Whiteman of the US Embassy remarked on the significance of the collaboration between the US and Botswana.

“This data is a testament to how our two countries work together for peace, security, and prosperity in the region,” he stated.

The US military, he added, was pleased to provide tools that enable both government and community members to understand and respond effectively to climate change, while also aiding in the planning and preparation for development in alignment with national planning goals and Vision 2036.

Professor Mike Murray-Hudson, a wetlands ecologist from ORI, emphasised the impactful use of this data for monitoring and surveying the Okavango Delta.

He noted the original commitment when the delta was designated a World Heritage Site — a promise to safeguard it for the benefit of the global community.
 

“Through this survey, we have generated an active biota and topographic map of the delta, presenting a true dimensional depiction of the forests, grasslands, and floodplains,” he explained.

Prof. Murray-Hudson asserted that the information was crucial for ensuring sustainable management of the delta and maintaining the viability of tourism for the local economy.

The data will serve as a baseline for measuring change across multiple indices of the delta’s ecological health, which could be affected by both natural variations and human activities.

The Professor also highlighted the importance of understanding trends in the structure of the riparian woodland, a vital element of the delta’s hydro-geochemical budget.

The donation would allow researchers to refine maps of floodplain marsh vegetation and create detailed maps of carbon sequestration and storage in both floodplains and woodlands. “This will help us better understand the geomorphology of the delta, improve our models of water distribution and flow, and assess the impacts of fire on biomass,” he stated.

Prof. Murray-Hudson expressed gratitude to the US Embassy for their support, noting that the partnership had benefited both the institute and the broader community. He added that the data would play a critical role in analysing the biogeochemistry of island soils, ultimately providing valuable services to agriculture in the region.

Mr Luke Simmons, the US regional environment science, technology, and health hub officer for Southern Africa, reinforced the long-standing partnership between the US embassy, ORI, and the University of Botswana.

He commended ORI for their valuable research regarding the protection of the wetlands ecosystem. ENDS