OKACOM International Cooperating Partners (ICP) Forum

The 4th OKACOM International Cooperating Partners (ICP) Forum was  held  virtually on the 8 September 2020  and brought together the representatives of several ICPs  currently working with the Commssion to support the implementation of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP). The OKACOM SAP is a basin-wide policy framework document that lays down the principles for the development of the Cubango-Okavango River Basin  (CORB) and  the improvements of the livelihoods of its people through the cooperative management of  its shared natural resources.   The overarching objective of the SAP is to promote and strengthen the integrated, sustainable management, use and development of the CORB at national and transboundary levels according to internationally recognised best practices.  In order to advance the sustainable management of the CORB, OKACOM engages in a number of broad and diverse relationships with the relevant cooperating partners.  For more than 25 years, OKACOM has worked with strategic partners (government institutions, private sector, development projects), research partners and funding partners. The meeting was attended by UNDP, EU, USAID, Climate Resilient Infrastructure Development Facility (CRIDF), Global Waters Partnership, The Nature Conservancy among others. 

Initiated in 2017, the ICP Forum is an annual meeting, which is a key platform that allows OKACOM to share its strategic direction and progress in the implementation of the SAP with the relevant partners and key stakeholders. Held as an engaging and interactive meeting, ICPs share their respective strategic directions, advice, and guide how to enhance the implementation of the OKACOM SAP,  the forum is also an opportunity for ICPs to gain more insight into the facilitation of  programme and project coordination across OKACOM. A significant number of OKACOM  activities were impacted by the Covid 19 pandemic and has led to delayed implementation of projects due to restrictions on travel, the transborder supply of goods and services across borders and postponement of training workshops and meetings.  All participants agreed that supportive and strategic partnerships are key to reaching the shared vision and platforms such as the ICP Forum are key to visioning, sharing, learning and increasing collaboration by working together and reducing duplication. The next ICP Forum is scheduled to take place in 2021.