08 Sep 2014

Okavango Research Institute (ORI) deputy director, Professor Joseph Mbaiwa says the institute was established as a result of many developments that were happening in the Ngamiland region.

Briefing farmers about the background and role of the institute, Prof. Mbaiwa explained that some of the issues that led to the establishment of the institute were the dragging of Okavango Delta as there was a mine that wanted to source water from delta and a group of Batawana was against the idea.

He said ORI was a research institution under University Botswana based in Maun whose vision was to be a leading wetlands research institute in Africa and the world by 2016 while its mission is to undertake engaged research and training on wetlands.

Prof. Mbaiwa said ORI was established in 1985 as an Institute for the study and conservation of one of the world’s largest and most intact inland wetland ecosystems - the Okavango Delta- as well as other southern African wetlands, river basins, watersheds and surrounding dry lands. 

He said the institute aims to conduct engaged research which is sensitive to local and national needs. He said the institute conducted research on five thermatic areas being ecosystem dynamics, ecosystem services and human well-being, sustainable tourism and climate change. 

For their part, the farmers appreciated the good job done by the institute. Mr Keloitsang Ledimo said since they were commercial farmers, they could meet the institute half way if  it conducted some research for them in their region. 

He noted that farmers’ input was very important to the institute planning as their advise could assist ORI in programs implementing to ensure they have impact on the lives of the communities. ENDS