OKACOM Celebrates 25 Years of Transboundary

The Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) will mark 25 years of existence in a Silver Jubilee Celebration on 28-29 April 2020 in Gaborone, Botswana. The two day event is organized by the Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services and  will bring together Ministers from the three member states of Angola, Botswana and Namibia, representatives from the ministries responsible for water resource management, OKACOM Commissioners, members of the Okavango Basin Steering Committee, implementing partners, funders, the general public and regional media. 

Under the theme “25 Years Towards Sustainable Development in the Cubango Okavango River Basin”, the celebration will be a platform for OKACOM to introspect and reflect with a view to form a re-focused vision for the Commission. This is of great importance as the Commission has evolved from being water conservation-based organization to a tripartite organization which advices on resource utilization based on the development needs and priorities of various stakeholders co-existing and managing the CORB.

Established in 1994 by the governments of Angola, Botswana and Namibia to advice the three states on the best possible use of the Cubango-Okavango River Basin (CORB) natural resources. The celebrations will kick of with the OKACOM Stakeholders Dialogue  on 28 April which is in the interest of promoting relevant conversation with various socio-political structures in trans-boundary river basin management across the wide spectrum of Basin stakeholders. This event  will engage technical   practitioners, researchers, development partners, funders and youth about sustainable management of the Cubango- Okavango River Basin (CORB). The dialogue will feature High Level Panel discussions, a youth debate   and exhibitions.

The main programme of the celebrations will take place on 29 April in Gaborone the grounds of the Department of Water and Sanitation, will be open to the general public and with the presence of community members of the CORB. The focus will be on showcasing the rich culture and diversity of the CORB with presentation of the livelihoods of the communities. Ministers from Angola, Botswana and Namibia  will each offer official remarks followed by a programme which will feature cultural performances, poetry and drama from Basin Community members.  A key highlight will be a presentation by National Geographic titled "Cubango Okavango River Basin (CORB): Development of Livelihoods- Past and Present" which will offer a pictorial tour of the CORB. Attendants will be afforded an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Commission with a trajectory summary by the OKACOM Executive Secretary, Mr. Phera Ramoeli.  The event will conclude with the inauguration and tour of the OKACOM Secretariat head office located on the grounds.