Okavango Delta Management Plan - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

It is increasingly emerging that the traditional access rights to resources within concessions
for subsistence use are not observed.
3.3.2 UNSUSTAINABLE USE OF VELD AND RANGE RESOURCES
There is general concern that the <strong>Okavango</strong> <strong>Delta</strong> natural resources may be depleted or
become scarce in the long run due to unsustainable practices. Scarcity in resources is
being observed with respect to mokola palm for basket weaving, thatching grass and river
reeds (Kgathi, et al., 2002). It is also emerging that pre-mature harvesting of the same
resources is increasingly becoming a problem and this is further compounded by lack of
harvesting permits (ODMP – Community Consultation and Feedback Report, 2004).
Veld fires can be used as a management tool. However, if not used properly they cause
extensive damage in terms of exposing the land to erosion, altering the ecological balance
and loss of plant species in the fragile environment of the <strong>Okavango</strong> <strong>Delta</strong> (ODMP –
Inception Report, 2005).
An important aspect in the management of vegetation resources is the impact of wildlife
and livestock especially cattle on rangelands. There is generally a problem of overstocking
of rangelands especially in the Gumare area. This could be attributed to the high density of
the boreholes in the area (ODMP – Inception Report, 2005).
Another important issue that needs closer scrutiny is the donkey population which has
slowly been building up in the District due to Arable Lands Development Programme
(ALDEP) (ODMP – Inception Report, 2005).
3.3.3 WATER USE
Upstream water obstruction and abstraction may lead to reduced flows, smaller peak flows
and lower sediment transport (see section 3.2.3.4). This will reduce the flooded area in the
<strong>Delta</strong>, water will less frequently reach its distal parts, and flooding patterns will change less
frequently.
The water flow and growth of aquatic vegetation in the <strong>Delta</strong> are dynamic processes leading
to the realignment of river channels and larger scale flow patterns. In the past as well as
currently, attempts are made to clear channels. This is done or proposed for different
purposes. On the local scale small channels are kept open for access to tourist lodges,
villages, fisheries and other natural resources of the <strong>Delta</strong>.
Tourist operators as well as the Government are keeping streams or sections thereof free
from vegetation for long distance boat traffic. Attempts have been made in the past, such as
clearing of the Thaoge, as well as recently (Gomoti), to create and keep permanent streams
to villages (Shorobe) that in the past have had better water supply. While these large scale
channel clearings of vegetation in the past have been largely ineffective, the proposed use of
modern machinery – if successful - may be damaging for the ecological functioning of the
<strong>Delta</strong> in that it will reduce the flooded area and flood switches. The environmental effects of
opening small channels are probably insignificant.
Intensive agricultural activities and urbanisation in the upstream catchment may cause
eutrophication, with resultant stronger growth and re-distribution of key stone species
such as Cyperus papyrus, which play an important role in channel switching and habitat
self renewal. Higher nutrient content in the water will promote the growth of Salvania
79