Exploring cultural values of African wetlands for sustainable conservation: Okavango Delta World Heritage Site, Botswana

Purpose This study applied the Heritage Place Lab (HPL) research-practice teams methodology to identify missing cultural values and/or oversubscribed natural and assess impacts on sustainable conservation of Okavango Delta World Site. The authors found that elements are often overlooked owing limited inputs from trans-disciplinary cross-stakeholder perspectives conservation. may explain why majority African sites List in Danger “natural” designations, as an absence is linked exclusion people and, therefore, gives rise conflicts access use. Design/methodology/approach Site statistics, published non-published documents/literature, site maps, registers, consultancy reports archival materials were used whether existing well potential considered for contemporary management a way leads approach. composition team suggested by HPL constituted ready-made diverse academics, policy makers community members could apply its expertise fully all necessary approach accounted for. Findings Using populated during HPL, OD-WHS not highlighted OUVs dossier but significantly expressed locals, leading research alerts conservationists embrace includes order move towards Research limitations/implications More require funding needed cover wider area site, enable work adjoining countries compare experiences per country - waterbody starts Angola go through Namibia, finally Botswana. Practical implications Conservation indicators nature world heritage constitute of, border on, stakeholders. An all-encompassing such always needs be factored in. Social Including aspects designated ‘natural' important allow socio-cultural inclusion management. allows local communities become visible active participants they contribute their qualities landscape management, process has enhance landscape, other wetlands across world. Originality/value adopted assessment somehow conformed emphasis or dichotomies criteria instead assessed on-the-ground practice against key indicators. ICCROM approach, focus was holistic site. currently under recognised, under-acknowledged less expressed; creating hinder achievement 2030 SDG agenda.