The effects of tourism development on the sustainable utilisation of natural resources in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) in the Okavango Delta has successfully contributed to the sustainable utilization of natural resources, including giraffes, sable antelopes, and thatching grass. This approach has led to increased social capital among stakeholders, the formation of local conservation institutions, and co-management practices such as selective hunting and dry-season harvesting. These efforts have significantly reduced illegal hunting and resulted in rising populations of key species. The study suggests that CBNRM can serve as an effective tool for achieving sustainability in biodiversity-rich tourism destinations, aligning with global goals for poverty alleviation and environmental conservation.

Mbaiwa, J. (2011). The effects of tourism development on the sustainable utilisation of natural resources in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Current Issues in Tourism, 14(3), 251–273. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2011.555525