Okavango Delta Management Plan - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Table 5-2: Characterization of conditions in the categories of status of the land
Category Natural / Bio-physical Tourism: Visitor activities and experience Community / subsistence <strong>Management</strong>
Pristine Characteristics
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Extensive areas of wild or natural
landscape that might include a number
of different ecosystems or habitats
No or minimal signs of lasting human
presence, activities, impacts, structures
ie. Buildings, roads or tracks,
markings, signage etc. except
significant historical or cultural items
ie. graves, rock-art, ceremonial sites
Relative absence of exotic species
The natural character of the
environment, biodiversity, associated
natural and cultural resources, biophysical
systems and processes as well
as the provision of environmental
goods and services prevails.
Biodiversity continues to be
maintained.
Contains sites of special importance ie.
habitat or breeding areas for rare or
endangered species.
Absence of activities that can lead to
degradation of the environment.
Activities allow for easy recovery of
environment, e.g. walking trails.
Visitor activities / operator support
Professional armed guides accompany visitors
Required to leave the site/area as it was in its natural condition i.e.
“pack-it-in & pack-it-out” principle (condition)
Access and roads
Limited amount of motorised vehicles or traffic, some boats .
No unaccompanied access
Visitor experience
Limits to the number of people using the area through limitations
on number, type and capacity of lodges, camps and
accommodation.
No encounters with other users – except those with own group
members.
Numbers of groups and numbers per group of hikers controlled by
market forces and self-imposed industry standards (max. 6 per
group with 1 professional guide).
Outstanding opportunities for solitude, isolation, quietness,
communication with nature, exclusiveness.
Significant exposure to risk from dangerous wild animals
Facilities
No permanent structures – only existing structures of cultural
significance.
No facilities except portable tents ie. Tents carried in, on foot,
personally by the visitor or by a tour operator staff (pack-it-in,
pack-it-out principle).
No audible equipment and communication structures.
No permanent or temporary settlements,
villages or camps.
Limited access for use of natural resources.
Very limited opportunities for the
employment of neighbouring local
communities.
Very low managerial presence
Emphasis on off-site management
Minimal use of signs
Minimal invasive research
Few public awareness campaigns