Okavango Delta Management Plan - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

2.1.6.7. Harry Oppenheimer <strong>Okavango</strong> Research Centre (HOORC-UB)
The Harry Oppenheimer <strong>Okavango</strong> Research Centre of the University of Botswana was set
up in 1994 in Maun to work on the conservation of the natural systems in Northern
Botswana particularly the <strong>Okavango</strong> <strong>Delta</strong>. Research at HOORC is aimed at enhancing the
understanding of the natural system of the <strong>Okavango</strong> <strong>Delta</strong> (and indeed the Basin) and its
relationship between human activities as well as its functioning. The centre specialises in
hydrology and water resources management, ecology, social aspects of natural resource
management, and tourism. HOORC was instrumental during the development of the
ODMP through the provision of available information about the <strong>Okavango</strong> <strong>Delta</strong> and its
resources. The centre also has a variety of expertise which was tapped to support various
components of the plan, mainly for quality assurance and technical input.
2.1.6.8 Private Sector
Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB)
HATAB is an association representing the interests of a number of companies in the hotel,
tourism and related services sector (like air transport companies). HATAB takes active part
in the CBNRM District Forum and sends representatives to almost all workshops and
reference groups that deal with the management of the natural resources of the <strong>Okavango</strong>
<strong>Delta</strong>.
Botswana Wildlife <strong>Management</strong> Association
The Botswana Wildlife <strong>Management</strong> Association is an organisation whose members are
drawn largely from companies or safari operators involved in consumptive use of wildlife
resources.
2.1.6.9 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS)
KCS is a Botswana-based NGO whose objectives are to promote the knowledge of
Botswana's rich wildlife resources and its environment through education and publicity; to
encourage and in some cases finance research into issues affecting these resources and
their conservation; and to promote and support policies of conservation towards wildlife
and its habitat.
KCS is currently coordinating a trans-boundary natural resource management project,
known as Every River Has Its People, between Botswana, Angola and Namibia.
Trust for the <strong>Okavango</strong> Cultural and Development Initiatives (TOCaDI)
TOCADI is the Ngamiland branch of Kuru Development Trust which is based in Shakawe. It
supports remote area communities in land use planning, strengthening of CBOs and
identifying and setting up income generating projects (thatching grass harvesting and
marketing, fishing, community tourist enterprises) and in starting a communal savingsand
reinvestment system.
2.1.6.10 Community Based Organisations (CBOs)
There are 21 CBOs in the <strong>Ramsar</strong> site managing the different resources. The CBOs in the
Ngamiland District have an established structure, CBNRM Forum, where they engage with
their Joint Venture Partners, the private sector and government on matters related to
management of resources in their conscession areas. The CBOs have a 15 year lease
agreement with the Tawana Land Board for the use of resources.
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