23 Feb 2025

The Okavango Delta Conservation Science Symposium, held in Maun recently, brought together experts, conservationists, policymakers, and local communities to discuss the future of one of the world's most precious ecosystems. 

With the vast wetland's survival increasingly threatened by climate change, water management challenges, and human-wildlife conflict, the symposium highlighted critical themes that would shape the future of the Okavango Delta. 

In an interview with this publication, managing director at The Botswana Wild Bird Trust, Mr Nlisi Mothusi stated that the purpose of the symposium was to bring together conservation scientists, students, and leaders to share knowledge and explore the current state of conservation science in the northern Botswana. 

“We are here to look at various aspects of environmental preservation, scientific research, and community involvement so that we can find solutions to the challenges in regard to the Okavango Delta Conservation as a collective,” he said.

He further highlighted climate change as the biggest challenge that was affecting the Okavango Delta, especially when it comes to human and wildlife existence, hence the need to come up with interventions of coexistence. 

Delivering keynote address, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Winter Mmolotsi emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, scientists, and local communities in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Okavango Delta. 

"The Okavango Delta is not just a national treasure; it is a global ecological asset whose survival depends on collective efforts to safeguard its biodiversity, promote sustainable tourism, and ensure that the communities who depend on it can thrive in harmony with nature," he said. 

The Minister highlighted that conservation could not be achieved without considering the needs of local people who resided alongside the Delta, hence the need to address the impact of climate change on water resources, the role of indigenous knowledge in conservation efforts, and the challenges of balancing economic development with environmental protection. 

The Botswana Wild Bird Trust research manager, Mr Rob Taylor emphasised that the tourism industry, which played a vital role in the local economy, must adopt practices that minimised environmental impact while promoting conservation awareness and also implored Batswana to stay focused on the role of sustainable tourism in protecting the delta's unique biodiversity. 

“We need to make a commitment from all parties involved to create a comprehensive conservation action plan that integrates scientific research, local knowledge, and policy reform that will focus on addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change, unsustainable land use, and the need for more inclusive, community-driven conservation initiatives,” he said. 

For her part, a student/researcher with Botswana International University of Science and Technology under The National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, Ms Gofaone Bogatsu stated that in her research on the Salvinia Molesta, she had discovered that the weed had become a major threat to the Okavango Delta. 

“The Salvinia clogs waterways, blocking everyday paths for local communities who rely on canoes for transportation. 

The plant not only obstructs movement, but also outcompetes with and suffocates other vegetation, leading to a loss of biodiversity. 

This invasive species is rapidly spreading, disrupting the delicate balance of the Delta's ecosystem and negatively affecting the livelihoods of those who depend on it,” she said. She highlighted that the symposium had benefited her such that she was able to make collaborations that would further her cause in coming up with solutions and recommendations in regards to the Salvinia Molesta. ENDS