Community-based Heritage Management at Okavango Delta, Botswana

The management of the World Heritage property of Okavango Delta, Botswana, requires close cooperation between gov’t agencies and local communities. The government of Botswana has adopted a conservation approach where local communities are directly involved in heritage management in their areas through community-based natural resources management. Several communities around the Okavango Delta have formed community-based organizations (CBOs) and community trusts to drive this initiative and actively participate in the management of the place. A successful CBOs is Mababe Zokotsama Community Development Trust based in Mababe village and is benefitting from NG41 concession, leased by the gov’t of Botswana. The CBO’s management plan guides the general management with the following goals:

conserve natural and cultural heritage
increase sustainable livelihood opportunities and improve benefits
reduce conflict between wildlife, people and tourism
increased involvement of communities in tourism

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