Programme Cooperation Agreement 2014: Final Report for the Period 01 January 2014 to 01 March 2015

Payment for Ecosystem Services Scheme in the Cubango-Okavango

A N G O L A

UPSTREAM Agricultural and developed area

THREATS TO THE CUBANGOOKAVANGO RIVER BASIN

Increased pressure on land Deforestation

Okavango River Basin

Unsustainable water abstraction from the basin Overfishing Habitat loss Wildfires

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES Provides natural resources

Reduced water flow and sediment load into the Okavango Delta

Water for domestic use and agriculture Water for power and transportation Habitat for fish and terrestrial animals Regulates natural resources Protects against floods and prevents erosion Stores and sequesters carbon dioxide Maintains water quality via natural filtration Enhances culture Provides recreational opportunities Preserves spiritual and cultural values

N A M I B I A

Okavango active flow basin Ephemeral stream Tree and shrub savannah Okavango mega basin Developed land Cropland

Feedback and communication Monitors effectiveness of activities aimed ecosystems and related services Provides constant update on river basin ac brochures for tourists, websites and financ

The Cubango-Okavango brochure that was published in June provides the foundation for the Okavango project’s activities. On the basis of this brochure, the Southern Africa Regional Environment Programme (SAREP), one of the project partners, has embarked on detailed field and desk studies to identify and describe the various ecosystem goods and services available in the Cubango-Okavango River Basin.

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