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

project (OKACOM, 2004).
Stakeholders in the project include individuals, groups or organisations who have an
interest in the river:
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People who gain their livelihoods directly from the river;
Local and central government officials responsible for managing the natural
resources and maintaining services in the area;
Non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations
working with local communities;
Local businesses using water and other resources for their enterprises;
Tourists who visit the Basin to enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife;
and
The scientific community studying the unique eco-systems of the Basin
(OKACOM, 2004).
OKACOM recognises the importance of considering stakeholders in the
development of a management plan, as the people living and working along the river
are best placed to provide vital information about the river resources, how they may
be changing and how those changes are affecting their lives (OKACOM, 2004).
As such, two groups seem best placed to spearhead and promote a unified view of
the Basin as a healthy unit. The first is the international community, perhaps through
donors who formulate assistance to promote the sustainable use of natural
resources. The second is the government and tourism industry in Botswana, where
investments and profits from the use of the Okavango have been the greatest. Even
though Botswana has made mistakes, it has accumulated considerable experience
in the wise management of the river and its resources, and it should consider
sharing its experience and benefits with Namibia and Angola. Botswana also has the
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