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

Friday, February 28, 2025 | 1070 Views |

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.

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