Draft ODMP workshop

Today, a consultative workshop on the draft Okavango Delta Management Plan was held at Maun Lodge. Stakeholders from various government departments, the private sector, and representatives of communities were present. In her official opening speech Ms Tsiang, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife, and Tourism, highlighted the importance of implementing the ODMP plan as opposed to adopting disaster recovery programs in the absence of such a plan. Project coordinator of ODMP Ms Segomelo gave an overview of the ODMP Project and took participants through the institutional, Biophysical and socio-economic thematic areas of ODMP. A detailed presentation on each of the three thematic areas was also provided. The workshop included a discussion forum through which participants had an opportunity to seek clarifications and give their inputs into the Draft ODMP. Participants voiced their concern on whether funds, willingness and skills will be available for the implementation of ODMP. The organizers of the Workshop assured everyone that funds will be available and efforts are underway to mainstream ODMP into the different government agencies plans and into the NDP Seven for Ngamiland.