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

The following recommendations are proposed, within the context of this study for the
fostering of positive linkages between the tourism and natural resource sub-sectors
in the Okavango Delta, so as to minimize tourism's negative impacts on local
communities and the environment, and in doing so help preserve/conserve the area
and its natural resources.
9.12.1 Empowerment of Government Bodies and the Provision of Equipment
The principal government bodies responsible for tourism development and natural
resource management in the Okavango Delta should be empowered and provided
with the necessary equipment and political support to effectively carry out their
mandates. Particular attention should be paid to the Departments of Tourism,
Wildlife and National Parks, Tawana Land Board (and to some extent those of
Labour, and Waste Management). Findings indicate that the poor monitoring of
tourism activities and implementation and enforcement of government policies by
these departments has allowed the industry to expand in a rather uncontrolled
manner, hence bringing about the serious negative socio-economic and
environmental impacts (Mbaiwa, 2002).
9.12.2 Environmental Monitoring and Management of Tourism Activities
The respective government institutions (e.g., the Departments of Tourism, Wildlife
and National Parks, Tawana Land Board, etc.) need to carry out effective
environmental monitoring of tourism activities in the Okavango Delta. This must be
done to promote environmental preservation and sustainable tourism development
(Mbaiwa, 2002).
Many of the tourism facilities, particularly the Department of Wildlife and National
Park campsites, are overcrowded with tourists during the peak tourist season, hence
impacting negatively upon the environment. Additionally, with the dramatic increase
in tourist numbers and facilities over the past two decades, urgent efforts need to be
made to control tourism impacts resulting from too many tourists in the area. This
suggests that tourism carrying capacities must be established and limits on tourist
numbers enforced by the relevant departments to avoid the environmental
degradation of the Delta. The 'high-cost, low-impact' tourism policy (Tourism Policy
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