23 Jun 2025

There is need to strengthen trans-boundary cooperation through scientific partnerships, water governance agreements and peace building initiatives that recognise nature as a shared resource. 

Speaking during Okavango is Calling festival which ended on Sunday, Professor Joseph Mbaiwa from Okavango Research Institute said the ecosystem was fragile and its survival and the survival of those who depended on it was not guaranteed.

 “We live in an era of accelerating climate change, economic uncertainty and environmental degradation and so the call to reimagine tourism, sustainability and diplomacy is not merely thematic but it is existential,” he said. 

Prof Mbaiwa said the Okavango Basin stretched across national borders, from Angola’s highlands through Namibia into Botswana’s floodplains citing that the delta was a shared resource which gave it significant diplomatic value. Sustainable diplomacy, he said must extend beyond treaties to include civil society, traditional leaders and the youth, adding that it must be inclusive, transparent and built in trust. 

Furthermore, Prof Mbaiwa noted that the Okavango River Basin Commission and other regional platforms were critical but they must be supported and empowered by political will, international solidarity and by funding mechanisms that reflected the real value of ecosystem services. 

“Let us embrace sustainability not as a slogan but as a way of life; let us practice diplomacy that respects nature, empowers communities and builds nature where Okavango Delta thrives,” he added. 

 Namibian deputy high commissioner in Botswana, Ms Yvette Husselmann said the delta as a shared resource called for the three countries, Botswana, Namibia and Angola to come together, synergise efforts to protect and maintain the beauty of the resource and offer it as a tourism package to the global audience. 

“We should work together to ensure the delta remains intact and market it to the global stage,” she said in an interview. Ms Huddelmann said Botswana had a lot to offer in terms of cultural and wildlife tourism. 

“The country has diverse rich cultures, natural beauty and cultural experiences and I would like to thank the community of Tsutsubega for the warm reception accorded to my team as the first time visitors. We are really impressed with the beautiful performances displayed by local artists and I believe my team has learnt some best practices and will continue collaborating with Botswana to sell the delta,” added Ms Husselmann

Okavango is Calling festival brought the tiny settlement of Tsustubega in the outskirt of Maun to life as many people came to the area to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the Okavango Delta as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Held at Tsutsubega floodplain right at the edge of the delta, the event showcased the delta’s essence through a vibrant traditional music, food and art. The festival organised by 390 Vision Company brought together people from different countries to celebrate and promote the country’s rich heritage, the delta, while fostering informal networking. 

The Namibian delegation comprising of the Namibian deputy high commissioner in Botswana, Namibia Tourism Board officials, entrepreneurs and chefs were among the dignitaries who graced the spectacular event. The Namibian chefs also had the opportunity to showcase their traditional cuisine in the likes of Kapana, which is one of the famous street food. ENDS