The Okavango Delta in North Eastern Botswana has a combination of hydrological, geological and biological features forming a world unique environment. This is recognised in Botswana (Vision 2016) and internationally. The Okavango system plays an essential economic role locally, nationally and in the region. Responsible management of the Okavango Delta is therefore a national priority as stated in Vision 2016. The increased pressure on the Okavango Delta caused the Government of Botswana to sign the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar) in April 1997, and identified the Okavango Delta as a wetland of international importance and hence a Ramsar site.  

The Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre of the University of Botswana is multidisciplinary and specializes in natural resource management research in the Okavango River Basin. Its aim is to support the development of sustainable resource use by local communities in the whole river basin so as to promote its long-term conservation.

Through Research, Teaching, Documentation and Outreach, the Research Centre will:

• Enhance the understanding of the natural systems of the Okavango River Basin.

• Explain the relationships between human activity and the functioning of those natural systems.

• Facilitate, evaluate, and monitor community based natural resource management activities.

• Develop recommendations on enhanced planning and management of natural resource use and economic and settlement activity in the Okavango Region.

• Document and disseminate information and knowledge on the Okavango River Basin.

• Monitor environmental, social and attitudinal change.

• Develop regional and local expertise with the ambition and ability to convey this aim and these objectives into the future.