12 Dec 2023

Okavango Research Institute (ORI) has partnered and collaborated with both local and international institutions to advance teaching and research, says Prof. Joseph Mbaiwa.

Presenting a report during ORI's annual advisory board meeting recently, he said a number of universities had visited the institute and signed agreements and that some ambassadors from European Union countries had also paid them a visit.

Prof. Mbaiwa also revealed that the institute had received funding from the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) to sponsor seven students to undertake research on land use conflicts, sustainable conservation and bio-diversity in the Okavango Delta, tourism and climate change to help in decision making.

He said locally they had worked and collaborated with some universities and mining companies as well as signing agreements. He acknowledged efforts by Khoemacau Copper Mine to mitigate climate change by planting trees in dikgotla and some schools.

Prof. Mbaiwa also said three experts were formulating the national tourism master and action plan, adding that it would serve as a guideline for the development of tourism.

Ms Una Busang from University of Botswana's public affairs department told the gathering that they were transitioning to become a research intensive institution, adding that the objective was to conduct research that would solve societal challenges.

The advisory board provides insight and recommendations to guide ORU to identify research topics aimed at addressing community concerns. It is made up of policy makers, civil society, the private sector and local government officials. 

The meeting provided an opportunity for strategic planning and to enable the board to assess the institute’s progress, identify areas for improvement and explore new avenues for growth and impact. ends