the role of tourism in natural resource management in the okavango ...

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As with other natural resource institutions in the country, the Department of
Wildlife and National Parks currently has very little political support from the
Botswana Government. This naturally limits its power and strength to
effectively implement wildlife policies in the country (Mbaiwa, 1999; Mbaiwa,
2002).
A lack of equipment, such as vehicles also limits the Department of Wildlife
and National Parks' effectiveness. The Department of Wildlife and National
Parks views lack of transport as a contributory factor in its ineffectiveness in
the monitoring of tourism activities, especially driving outside of prescribed
tracks and roads in environmentally sensitive areas, poaching and damage
to crops, etc., by wildlife (Mbaiwa, 1999; Mbaiwa, 2002).
Shortages of trained personnel and a loss of staff members to better paying
jobs in the private sector, non-governmental and parastatal organisations.
A lack of appreciation and support by people living in wildlife areas such as
the Okavango Delta (Mbaiwa, 1999; Mbaiwa, 2002).
The current ineffectiveness of the DWNP has serious implications for Botswana.
Firstly, as all major game reserves and national parks in the country, as well as
approximately 40 percent of the Okavango Delta in the form of the Moremi Game
Reserve are under the direct authority of the DWNP, most of the environment and
wildlife populations that the tourism industry is based on is also under the
management of this Department. As such, due to the DWNP's lack of manpower,
finances, resources, knowledge and skill, and support from the central government,
all state-owned reserves and national parks, as well as the resources such as
unspoiled habitats and wildlife found in these areas are ineffectively managed and
protected. The Botswana Government is attempting to bring about economic growth
in the country through the creation of a thriving tourism industry. Yet much of the
environment and resources upon which this industry is based is under the
jurisdiction of a completely ineffective department, and hence is not given sufficient
protection, or utilised and managed in a sustainable manner. For example, the last
available figures from the DWNP in Maun on wildlife numbers in the Ngamiland
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