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Conservatively assuming that the sequestration value of the delta is based on the lower costs, it
appears reasonable to value one ton of carbon at US$ 5 in this study (or Pula 27 using an exchange
rate of 1US$ = Pula 5.4). This value is therefore used in the valuation.
The value of carbon sequestration
Based on the above, the value of carbon sequestration was computed. The estimated value of
carbon sequestration is P85.9 million per annum for the delta and P158 million for the entire Ramsar
site. Comparing the value of the delta with that of semi-arid dry lands, it was found that the extra value
of the delta was modest at P8.2 million for the wetland and the Ramsar site. This is less than 10%
extra carbon sequestration value.
The results are very sensitive to the figures used for the carbon sink and the value of a sequestered
ton of carbon. Sensitivity analysis has been carried out for two alternative values (US$10 and US$27)
and three carbon sink figures (0.5 T/ha and 1.5 T/ha), all taken from the literature. The results of the
sensitivity analysis are summarised in Table 6-6. The carbon sink value of the wetland ranges from a
minimum of P43 million to a maximum of 645. The range for the entire Ramsar site is from P79 million
to 1.2 billion. Our baseline assumptions are on the lower side of the range of the sensitivity analysis
and appear reasonable. Given the uncertainty of the data used, the estimates are indicative and
need to be used with caution.
Table 6-6. Indirect use values with different assumptions
Value US$ 5/ha Value US$ 10/ha Value US$ 27/ha
Wetland
Sink 1 86 172 428
Sink 2 129 258 645
Sink 3 43 86 215
Ramsar site
Sink 1 158 316 791
Sink 2 237 475 1 187
Sink 3 79 158 396
Note: Sink 1: 1 T/ha for semi-arid rangelands; sink 2 : 1.5 and sink 3 0.5 T/ha of semi-arid rangeland
6.3.4 Wildlife refuge
Wildlife is the key resource for tourism and hunting in the wetland and Ramsar site. The Okavango
Delta also provides refuge for wildlife that migrate to other parts of the Ramsar site and beyond,
generating benefits and use value in the form of ecotourism and hunting in those areas. This is not
covered under the direct use value (chapter 4 and 5), and therefore treated as an indirect use value.
The delta (and Chobe) is the major wildlife area in northern Botswana and species such as buffalo
and elephant move in and out of these areas depending on rainfall and range conditions. The recently
re-introduced white rhinos have moved over long distances towards the west and south-east. The
buffalo fence on the western and southern sides of the delta has restricted movements towards the
south and west. Elephants and buffalo move towards the north-east and east (towards Caprivi) while
wildebeest and zebra move towards the west and south east (Makgadikgadi Pans; KCS 1983).
In consultation with a group of wildlife experts 7 , the following method was employed:
• Identification of the valuable migratory wildlife species;
• Estimation of their use for tourism and hunting outside the Ramsar site and wetland; and
• Valuation of related eco-tourism and hunting.
The IUV of wildlife refuge was calculated both for the wetland itself (as defined under the hydrological
model) and for the entire Ramsar site. The external wildlife refuge value of the wetland includes
wildlife values realised inside the Ramsar site but outside the wetland. The indirect use value of the
wetland’s wildlife refuge is therefore higher than that of the entire Ramsar site.
7 The method and estimates have benefited from inputs and comments by Dr. C. Taolo, Dr.D. Gibson, Dr. J. Perkins and J.
Broekhuis.
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