The Okavango; a River Supporting Its People, Environment and Economic Development
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Snow Cover Dynamics in Andean Watersheds of Chile (32.0-39.5°S) During the Years 2000 - 2013
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., doi:10.5194/hess-2016-357, 2016 Manuscript under review for journal Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Published: 20 September 2016 c Author(s) 2016. CC-BY 3.0 License. Snow cover dynamics in Andean watersheds of Chile (32.0-39.5°S) during the years 2000 - 2013 Alejandra Stehr1,2,3 and Mauricio Aguayo1,2 1Centre for Environmental Sciences EULA-CHILE, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile 5 2Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile 3CRHIAM, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile Correspondence to: A. Stehr ([email protected]) Abstract. Andean watersheds present important snowfall accumulation mainly during the winter which is later melted during spring and part of the summer. The effect of snowmelt on the water balance can be critical to sustain agriculture activities, 10 hydropower generation, urban water supply and wildlife. In Chile 25% of the territory between the Valparaiso and Araucanía Regions comprise areas where snow precipitation occurs. As in many other difficult-to-access regions of the world, in the Chilean Andes there is a lack of hydrological data like discharge, snow courses, snow depths, which complicate the analysis of important hydrological processes (e.g. water availability). Remote sensing provides a promising opportunity to enhance the assessment and monitoring of the spatial and temporal variability of snow characteristics, like Snow Cover Area (SCA) and 15 Snow Cover Dynamic (SCD). In the above mentioned context the objectives of this study are to evaluate the suitability of MOD10A2 to estimate SCA and to assess SCD at five watersheds (Aconcagua, Rapel, Maule, Biobío and Toltén) located in the Chilean Andes, between latitude 32.0ºS and 39.5ºS. -
Fire and Its Effects on Vegetation in the Okavango Delta.Pdf
MICHAEL HEINL Fire and its effects on vegetation in the Okavango Delta, Botswana Feuer und sein Einfluss auf die Vegetation im Okavango Delta, Botswana supported by Fire and its effects on vegetation in the Okavango Delta, Botswana Feuer und sein Einfluss auf die Vegetation im Okavango Delta, Botswana Diplomarbeit am Lehrstuhl für Vegetationsökologie Technische Universität München Freising-Weihenstephan Prof. Dr. Jörg Pfadenhauer - 25. August 2001 - Autor: Michael Heinl ([email protected]) Betreuer: Dr. Jan Sliva ([email protected]) Prof. Jörg Pfadenhauer Dr. E. Veenendaal supported by PREFACE II Fire and its effects on vegetation in the Okavango Delta, BoBotttswanaswana Preface The present MSc-Thesis (Diplomarbeit) describes the results of a one-year project about the effects of fire on vegetation, with special focus on the Okavango Delta region, Botswana. The study is based on a new initiated research co-operation between Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre (HOORC) in Maun, Botswana, part of University of Botswana and the Chair of Vegetation Ecology of the Technische Universität München (TUM), Germany funded by Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft within their programme “Forschung für Naturräume“ for young scientists. Under the topic “Elements in Conflict - Anthropogenic fires in the RAMSAR-wetland Okavango-Delta (Botswana)”, prerequisites were set for future co- operative research projects between HOORC and TUM during August 2000 to August 2001. Besides the theoretical introduction to the ecology of the study area ‘Okavango Delta’, this period was primarily used to gain first practical experience on the vegetation and the fire ecology of the Okavango Delta during the stays in Botswana in October 2000 and March/April/Mai 2001. -
Ramsar Information Sheet
Ramsar Information Sheet Text copy-typed from the original document. 1. Date this sheet was completed: 20.11.1996 2. Country: Botswana 3. Name of wetland: The Okavango Delta System 4. Geographical co-ordinates: The Okavango Delta System lies between Longitudes 21 degrees 45 minutes East and 23 degrees 53 minutes East; and Latitudes 18 degrees 15 minutes South and 20 degrees 45 minutes South. It includes the Okavango River, commonly referred to as the Pan handle; the entire Okavango Delta; Lake Ngami; and parts of the Kwando and Linyanti River systems that fall west of the western boundary of the Chobe National Park. The entire area is as depicted on the attached map. 5. Altitude: Generally between 930 metres and 1000 metres above sea level. 6. Area: Approximately 68 640 km² (6 864 000 hectares) 7. Overview Three main features characterise the region, the Okavango, the Kwando and Linyanti river system connected to the Okavango Delta through the Selinda spillway and the intervening and surrounding dryland areas. These features are located within the Okavango rift, a geological structure subject to tectonis control and infilled with Kahalari Group sediments, principally sand, up to 300 metres thick. The Delta is the most important of the above named features. It is an inland delta in a semi arid region in which inflow fluctuations result in large fluctuations in flooded area (10,000 - 16,000 km²), which is comprised of permanent swamp, seasonal swamp and intermittently flooded areas. Similar flooding takes place in the Kwando/Linyanti river system. This leads to high seasonal concentrations of birdlife and wildlife, giving the area a very high tourism potential. -
Final Report: Southern Africa Regional Environmental Program
SOUTHERN AFRICA REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM FINAL REPORT DISCLAIMER The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States government. FINAL REPORT SOUTHERN AFRICA REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM Contract No. 674-C-00-10-00030-00 Cover illustration and all one-page illustrations: Credit: Fernando Hugo Fernandes DISCLAIMER The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States government. CONTENTS Acronyms ................................................................................................................ ii Executive Summary ............................................................................................... 1 Project Context ...................................................................................................... 4 Strategic Approach and Program Management .............................................. 10 Strategic Thrust of the Program ...............................................................................................10 Project Implementation and Key Partners .............................................................................12 Major Program Elements: SAREP Highlights and Achievements .................. 14 Summary of Key Technical Results and Achievements .......................................................14 Improving the Cooperative Management of the River -
Foodplain Vegetation in the Nxaraga Lagoon Area, Okavango Delta, Botswana
S. Afr. J. Bol. 2000, 66( I): 15- 21 15 Foodplain vegetation in the Nxaraga Lagoon area, Okavango Delta, Botswana M.C. Bonyongo" *, G.J. Bredenkamp' and E. Veenendaal' , Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, University of Bo tswana, Private Bag 285, Maun. Botswana 20 epartment of Botany. University of Pretoria , Pretoria, 0002 Republic of South Africa Ueceived 2 June 1999, reVIsed 2() Ocwher /999 The phytosociology and patterns of vegetation distribution of the seasonal fi oodplains were studied. Cover-abundance data were collected from a total of 200 sample plots and captured in TU RBO(VEG), a software package for input and processing and presentation of phytosociological data. Application of the Braun-B lanquet methods of vegetation survey followed by a polythetic divisive classification technique (TWINSPAN) resulted in the delineation of eight vegetation communities of which five were further divided into sub-communities, The eight commun ities are Cyperus articulafus-Schoenopleclus corymbosus community, Alternanthera sessilis-Ludwigia sio/anitera community, Vetiveria nigritana-Setaria sphacelata community, Miscanthus junceus-Digitaria sea/arum community, Imperata cylindrica-Setana sphacelata community, Paspalidium oblusifolorum-Panicum repens community, Setaria sphaeefata- Eragrostis inamoena community and Sporobolus spicatus community. All plant commun ities are related to specific flooding regime namely time and duration of inundation . Keywords: Braun-Branquet, classification , plant community types, releve, TWINSPAN. "To whom correspondence should be addressed. Introduction re lative humidity at 0800 hours between 60% and 78% ( Ellery f!f Vegetation description is the starting point of both small and al. 1991 ) The cooler, drier winter months (June- August) have ,\ large scale vegetation research. Vegetation description aims to mean monthly maximum of25.3°(. -
The Hydrology of the Okavango Delta, Botswana—Processes, Data and Modelling
Regional review: the hydrology of the Okavango Delta, Botswana—processes, data and modelling Christian Milzow & Lesego Kgotlhang & Peter Bauer-Gottwein & Philipp Meier & Wolfgang Kinzelbach Abstract The wetlands of the Okavango Delta accom- Introduction modate a multitude of ecosystems with a large diversity in fauna and flora. They not only provide the traditional The Okavango wetlands, commonly called the Okavango livelihood of the local communities but are also the basis Delta, are spread on top of an alluvial fan located in of a tourism industry that generates substantial revenue for northern Botswana, in the western branch of the East the whole of Botswana. For the global community, the African Rift Valley. Waters forming the Okavango River wetlands retain a tremendous pool of biodiversity. As the originate in the highlands of Angola, flow southwards, upstream states Angola and Namibia are developing, cross the Namibian Caprivi-Strip and eventually spread however, changes in the use of the water of the Okavango into the terminal wetlands on Botswanan territory cover- River and in the ecological status of the wetlands are to be ing the alluvial fan (Fig. 1). Whereas the climate in the expected. To predict these impacts, the hydrology of the headwater region is subtropical and humid with an annual Delta has to be understood. This article reviews scientific precipitation of up to 1,300 mm, it is semi-arid in Botswana work done for that purpose, focussing on the hydrological with precipitation amounting to only 450 mm/year in the modelling of surface water and groundwater. Research Delta area. High potential evapotranspiration rates cause providing input data to hydrological models is also over 95% of the wetland inflow and local precipitation to be presented. -
Altimetry, SAR and GRACE Applied for Modelling of an Ungauged Catchment
Discussion Paper | Discussion Paper | Discussion Paper | Discussion Paper | Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., 7, 9123–9154, 2010 Hydrology and www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci-discuss.net/7/9123/2010/ Earth System HESSD doi:10.5194/hessd-7-9123-2010 Sciences 7, 9123–9154, 2010 © Author(s) 2010. CC Attribution 3.0 License. Discussions Altimetry, SAR and This discussion paper is/has been under review for the journal Hydrology and Earth GRACE applied for System Sciences (HESS). Please refer to the corresponding final paper in HESS modelling of an if available. ungauged catchment Combining satellite radar altimetry, SAR C. Milzow et al. surface soil moisture and GRACE total Title Page storage changes for model calibration Abstract Introduction and validation in a large ungauged Conclusions References catchment Tables Figures 1 2 1 C. Milzow , P. E. Krogh , and P. Bauer-Gottwein J I 1 Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, J I 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark 2National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark Back Close Received: 12 November 2010 – Accepted: 20 November 2010 Full Screen / Esc – Published: 30 November 2010 Correspondence to: C. Milzow ([email protected]) Printer-friendly Version Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union. Interactive Discussion 9123 Discussion Paper | Discussion Paper | Discussion Paper | Discussion Paper | Abstract HESSD The availability of data is a major challenge for hydrological modelling in large -
Estimating Rainfall and Water Balance Over the Okavango River Baprovidedsin Byfor South Easthydrological Academic Libraries System (SEALS) Applications
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE Estimating rainfall and water balance over the Okavango River Baprovidedsin byfor South Easthydrological Academic Libraries System (SEALS) applications Julie Wilk, Dominic Kniveton, Lotta Andersson, Russell Layberry, Martin C. Todd, Denis Hughes, Susan Ringrose and Cornelis Vanderpost Department of Water and Environmental Studies, Linköping University, S-581 83 Linköping, Sweden Department of Physics Chemistry and Environmental Science, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, UK Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, 601 76 Norrköping, Sweden University College of London, 26 Bedford Way, WC1H 0AP, London, UK Institute of Water Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, Private Bag 285, Maun, Botswana Abstract A historical database for use in rainfall-runoff modeling of the Okavango River Basin in Southwest Africa is presented. The work has relevance for similar data-sparse regions. The parameters of main concern are rainfall and catchment water balance, which are key variables for subsequent studies of the hydrological impacts of development and climate change. Rainfall estimates are based on a combination of in situ gauges and satellite sources. Rain gauge measurements are most extensive from 1955 to 1972, after which they are drastically reduced due to the Angolan civil war. The sensitivity of the rainfall fields to spatial interpolation techniques and the density of gauges were evaluated. Satellite based rainfall estimates for the basin are developed for the period from 1991 onwards, based on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) datasets. The consistency between the gauges and satellite estimates was considered. -
Overview of the Cubango Okavango
Transboundary Cooperation for Protecting the Cubango- Okavango River Basin and Improving the Integrity of the Okavango Delta World Heritage Property Overview of the Cubango-Okavango River Basin in Angola: Challenges and Perspectives Maun, 3-4 June 2019 Botswana National Development Plan (2018-2022) The National Development Plan 6 Axis provides framework for the development of infrastructure, 25 Policies environmental sustainability and land and territorial planning. 83 Programs Cubango-Okavango River Basin Key Challenges To develop better conditions for the economic development of the region. To foster sustainable development considering technical, socio- economic and environmental aspects. To combat poverty and increase the opportunities of equitable socioeconomic benefits. Key Considerations 1. Inventory of the water needs and uses. 2. Assessment of the water balance between needs and availability. 3. Water quality. 4. Risk management and valorization of the water resources. Some of the Main Needs Water Institutional Monitoring Capacity Network Decision- Participatory making Management Supporting Systems Adequate Funding Master Plans for Cubango Zambezi and Basins Cubango/ Approved in 6 main Up to 2030 Okavango 2016 programs Final Draft 9 main Zambezi Up to 2035 2018 programs Cubango/Okavango Basin Master Plan Main Programs Rehabilitation of degraded areas. Maintaining the natural connectivity between rivers and river corridors. Implementing water monitoring network. Managing the fishery activity and water use. Biodiversity conservation. Capacity building and governance. Zambezi Basin Master Plan Main Programs Water supply for communities and economic activities. Sewage and water pollution control. Economic and social valorisation of water resources. Protection of ecosystems. Risk management. Economic sustainability of the water resources. Institutional and legal framework. -
Biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Its Islands Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use
Biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and its Islands Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use Occasional Papers of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 6 IUCN - The World Conservation Union IUCN Species Survival Commission Role of the SSC The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is IUCN's primary source of the 4. To provide advice, information, and expertise to the Secretariat of the scientific and technical information required for the maintenance of biologi- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna cal diversity through the conservation of endangered and vulnerable species and Flora (CITES) and other international agreements affecting conser- of fauna and flora, whilst recommending and promoting measures for their vation of species or biological diversity. conservation, and for the management of other species of conservation con- cern. Its objective is to mobilize action to prevent the extinction of species, 5. To carry out specific tasks on behalf of the Union, including: sub-species and discrete populations of fauna and flora, thereby not only maintaining biological diversity but improving the status of endangered and • coordination of a programme of activities for the conservation of bio- vulnerable species. logical diversity within the framework of the IUCN Conservation Programme. Objectives of the SSC • promotion of the maintenance of biological diversity by monitoring 1. To participate in the further development, promotion and implementation the status of species and populations of conservation concern. of the World Conservation Strategy; to advise on the development of IUCN's Conservation Programme; to support the implementation of the • development and review of conservation action plans and priorities Programme' and to assist in the development, screening, and monitoring for species and their populations. -
Wildland Fire Management Handbook for Sub-Sahara Africa
cover final.qxd 2004/03/29 11:57 AM Page 1 Africa is a fire continent. Since the early evolution of humanity, fire has been harnessed as a land-use tool. Wildland Fire Management Many ecosystems of Sub-Sahara Africa that have been WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT shaped by fire over millennia provide a high carrying HANDBOOK WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT Handbook for Sub-Sahara Africa capacity for human populations, wildlife and domestic livestock. The rich biodiversity of tropical and sub- tropical savannas, grasslands and fynbos ecosystems is attributed to the regular influence of fire. However, as a Edited by Johann G Goldammer & Cornelis de Ronde result of land-use change, increasing population FOR SUB-SAHARA AFRICA pressure and increased vulnerability of agricultural land, FOR SUB-SAHARA AFRICA timber plantations and residential areas, many wildfires have a detrimental impact on ecosystem stability, economy and human security. The Wildland Fire Management Handbook for Sub-Sahara Africa aims to address both sides of wildland fire, the best possible use of prescribed fire for maintaining and stabilising eco- systems, and the state-of-the-art in wildfire fire prevention and control. The book has been prepared by a group of authors with different backgrounds in wildland fire science and fire management. This has resulted in a book that is unique in its style and contents – carefully positioned between a scientific textbook and a guidebook for fire manage- ment practices, this volume will prove invaluable to fire management practitioners and decision-makers alike. The handbook also makes a significant contribution towards facilitating capacity building in fire manage- ment across the entire Sub-Sahara Africa region. -
Africa Resource Guide Trunk Contents
AFRICA RESOURCE GUIDE TRUNK CONTENTS Upon receiving the map, please check the trunk for all contents on this list. If anything is missing or damaged, please call or email Liesl Pimentel immediately at 1-480-243-0753 or [email protected]. When you are done with the map, carefully check the trunk for all the contents on this list. Please report any missing or damaged items before the map is picked up. PROPS CARDS [ ] Inflatable globe [ ] A Legend-ary Exploration Cards (36) [ ] Electric air pump [ ] Country Cards (52) [ ] Menu holders (40) [ ] Cardinal Directions Cards (32) [ ] Blue nylon scale bar straps (4) [ ] African Animal Safari Cards (32) [ ] Red nylon Equator strap [ ] Physical Features Cards (24) [ ] Bingo chips [ ] Map Keys (4) [ ] Cones: 12 each, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue [ ] Plastic chains: 1 each, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Orange [ ] Knotted rope, Yellow Borrowers will be [ ] Hoops (20) financially responsible [ ] Poly spots—Small: 8 each, Yellow, Blue, Red, for replacement costs Green of any missing or [ ] Poly spot—Large: Orange (1) damaged items. [ ] Lanyards: 10 each, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue [ ] Straps (extra) with buckles for tying map for transit (2) [ ] Extra Quick Link (for replacement if lost/broken) Copyright © 2015 National Geographic Society The National Geographic Society is one of the All rights reserved. world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society’s mis- STAFF FOR THIS PROJECT sion is to inspire people to care about the planet. Dan Beaupré, VP, Experiences, Education and It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month Children’s Media through its official journal, National Geographic, and other mag- Julie Agnone, VP, Operations, Education and azines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; Children’s Media school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchan- Amanda Larsen, Managing Art Director dise.