08 Jul 2026

There is need for Okavango Research Institute (ORI) to undertake a fresh study establishing the current economic valuation of the Okavango Delta.

While reports indicates that there have been studies in the past, stakeholders argue that a subsequent study is needed considering the fact that the delta is an evolving ecosystem. 

They shared this view at the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ORI and a tourism conservation company, And Beyond. The MoU marked the beginning of a partnership built on a shared commitment to conservation, research and the sustainable management of Botswana’s natural heritage.

Stakeholders appreciated that ORI played an excellent role in producing globally relevant research that deepened understanding of the delta while advancing national and international developments goals.

A representative of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB), Mr Jerry Ndakalinga said the delta was relatively rich in diversity, therefore a new study would help in supporting sustainable natural resource management, strengthening conservation financing and eventually enhancing community benefits.

“Understanding the economic valuation of our prestigious resource can also help attract investment, guides infrastructural development, improve revenue collection from tourism concessions and inform public policy and planning,” he added.

Professor Moseki Motsholapheko from ORI also concurred that a subsequent study would establish the current value of the delta considering that the existing study was done some ten years ago or beyond.

“It would be a good thing to conduct a new study to get the true value of the resource,” he added.

Senior Development Officer from Botswana Tourism Organisation, Mr Thatayaone Mmapatsi appreciated the good work by ORI in driving innovation and sustainable solutions through research.

Mr Mmapatsi urged the institute management to ensure the research findings were easily accessible to other stakeholders.

He said the new research findings could help inform government policies and directly benefit local communities. 

For his part, University of Botswana Vice Chancellor, Prof David Norris noted the stakeholders’ concerns and assured them that going forward, research findings must be shared.

With regard to a research on the economic valuation of the delta, he equally agreed adding that there were many other factors that had a bearing on the delta and its value citing that some of the factors were outside the boundaries of Botswana.

Stakeholders learnt that ORI was actively engaging with other countries that share the water channel that flows in the delta as it has a serious bearing on how it was conserved and how its value changes over time. ENDS