Okavango Delta Management Plan - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

can the correct management questions be asked without the deeper understanding
providedby more basic research. The two types of research are:
• First, a thorough understanding is needed of the full range of physical, chemical,
ecological, socio-economic, and political factors that influence the interactions within
and between society and ecosystem components. This requires basic research in many
different fields such as: hydrology, climatology, ecosystem functioning, agriculture, and
social dependency patterns, supported by knowledge of issues such as: culture, ethics,
economics, governance and livelihood strategies.
• Secondly, effective implementation of the ODMP requires directed, management
orientated research that answers focused ‘cause and effect’ questions. These questions
address issues such as: interactions between external driving forces in the <strong>Okavango</strong>
catchment; the distribution and abundance of natural resources in the <strong>Okavango</strong> <strong>Delta</strong>;
the patterns of resource use; the requirements of society; and the ecological and
economic implications of different resource use patterns.
While both types of research are necessary for the ODMP, it is very important to ensure
that the ‘mix’ of research types is properly balanced to suit management needs. Often, the
relevance of long-term research studies within the <strong>Okavango</strong> <strong>Delta</strong> is not immediately
apparent. But, when the managers pose questions that require specific answers for
decision-making, these answers will need to be based on a sound fundamental or
‘academic’ understanding. Typically, these types of ‘academic’ or ‘background’ studies are
undertaken by university scholars, such as those at HOORC. However, all academic
researchers have a wider responsibility to demonstrate that their work can guide and
inform more directly applied research that must answer the types of questions posed by the
ODMP.
The research will only be truly useful for its intended purpose if the research results
(outputs) are converted into appropriate management outcomes. In essence, these are:
better informed and better targeted management of the <strong>Okavango</strong> <strong>Delta</strong> <strong>Ramsar</strong> Site, which
will enhance the livelihoods of all stakeholders while simultaneously conserving the natural
resources of the system in perpetuity.
While research seeks to understand the characteristics of a particular situation and identify
the key factor(s) involved, management must follow up with the desired action. However, it
is also important to track the success or failure of the implementation process once a
decision has been taken to implement a management action. In simple terms, management
has three fundamental objectives: (i) focussed action; (ii) monitoring and evaluation of that
action; and then (iii) adaptive change if the action does not produce the desired result
(adaptive management” cycle).
2.6 CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES – HIV AND AIDS, GENDER AND
POVERTY
Fundamental to the ODMP is the incorporation of elements of Gender, Poverty, HIV and
AIDS.
2.6.1 HIV AND AIDS
According to the recent Botswana AIDS Impact Survey (BAIS II) (Central Statistics Office,
2004), the national HIV prevalence rate is 17% with disaggregated data indicating that
different districts experience different prevalence rates. The HIV and AIDS prevalence in
Ngamiland district is about 15%.
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