How is the Okavango Delta being affected by climate change?

According to the latest IUCN World Heritage Outlook report, climate-related changes such as ocean acidity, droughts, and variable temperatures are considered "high" or "very high" threats to 43% of the 271 World Heritage sites evaluated, including the Okavango Delta.

What is the main challenge facing the Okavango Delta and other World Heritage sites?

The report identifies chronic underfunding as the primary barrier to effective ecosystem management, with most sites lacking consistent, long-term funding for staff, monitoring, and protection programs.

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Okavango Delta: Botswana's Endangered Natural Wonder

Q: What is the Okavango Delta?

The Okavango Delta is a vast freshwater ecosystem in Botswana, home to a diverse array of wildlife including cheetahs, African wild dogs, and the world's largest population of African elephants.

11 Oct

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Summary

Okavango Delta is one of the last high-biodiversity ecosystems
43% of UNESCO World Heritage sites face "significant concern" or "critical" threats
Chronic underfunding is the primary barrier to effective ecosystem management

Okavango Delta: Botswana's Endangered Natural Wonder

The Okavango Delta in Botswana, a vast freshwater ecosystem the size of Connecticut, is one of the last remaining high-biodiversity regions on Earth. Home to a diverse array of wildlife, including cheetahs, African wild dogs, and the world's largest population of African elephants, the Okavango Delta was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014 for its natural and cultural significance.

However, the latest IUCN World Heritage Outlook report, presented on October 11, 2025, paints a concerning picture for the Okavango and other precious natural sites around the globe. The report finds that the proportion of World Heritage sites with a positive conservation outlook has dropped from 63% in 2014, 2017, and 2020 to just 57% in the latest assessment. Alarmingly, the proportion of sites considered to be of "significant concern" or "critical" has increased from 37% to 43% in the last five years.