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Threats facing Okavango: Looming crisis for Botswana’s natural jewel

Emerging threat: Papyrus on fire in the Okavango River. Scientists are warning about the dangers these fires cause to the Okavango Delta. PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES
Emerging threat: Papyrus on fire in the Okavango River. Scientists are warning about the dangers these fires cause to the Okavango Delta. PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES

From climate change to human activities, the Okavango Delta is facing a cascade of challenges and scientists say urgent action is needed to safeguard the natural wonder, writes THALEFANG CHARLES

MAUN: The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems, is under threat.

This vast inland delta is a lifeline for countless species and a cornerstone of the region’s biodiversity, but scientists are saying the unique ecosystem is being disrupted by several threats mainly originating in its catchment areas, in Angola and Namibia.

Editor's Comment
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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