Helping Botswana protect the Okavango Delta wetland system

We developed a comprehensive integrated model complex based on our MIKE Powered by DHI software suite components to support the Okavango Delta Management Plan (ODMP), developed by the Botswana government. Our hydrological model, combined with our consultation services provided results which were successfully applied to the ODMP.

The 6,000 km² Okavango Delta is vital to the ecology, economy and culture of Botswana. Many people derive their livelihood in the delta and it serves as a source of revenue from tourism.

The Botswana government drew up the draft National Wetlands Policy and Strategy in 2001. The provisions of the Policy, in conjunction with the obligations under the Ramsar Convention required the country to develop an integrated management plan of the Okavango Delta. Known as the Okavango Delta Management Plan (ODMP), the project needed a thorough understanding of the region’s wetland hydrology.

We supported the project by developing a dynamic, integrated wetland model based on MIKE SHE and MIKE 11 – part of our MIKE software suite. Results from the scenario outputs of the model were successfully applied to an effective management and protection plan for the delta. They also formed the basis for Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) talks on water resources management and the future of the Okavango Delta.