Transboundary Challenges
The Okavango River borders between Angola and Namibia , where communities from both countries share the watercourse. Fishermen from both countries cross to either side of the river to fish and the community from the Joseph Mbambangandu Conservancy has expressed concern about this practice. On the Namibian side, the Joseph Mbambangandu is a legal conservancy while on the Angolan side, the entire stretch is not a conservation area.
“The Angolans are a challenge as they use any type of net to fish, while on this side we are stopping people from this. There is no knowledge of fishing policies or rules by our neighbours. We are sharing one river but they do what they want, they cross over and tell us they are in no man’s land. They catch fish at night on the Namibian side and even sell the fish here.” says Alexander.
Efforts are ongoing to establish community-based joint transboundary fisheries management forums to ensure joint efforts are implemented to improve fisheries conservation. Currently, the committee patrols the river banks by foot or bicycle and when possible community members assist them by offering traditional canoes to go down the stream.
In July 2021, OKACOM delivered a motorised patrol boat for the conservancy and handed over to the Ministry of Fisheries, to be used by the conservancy. This will enable the committee to patrol the river effectively and increase presence. However, due to low flows this year, the river is currently too shallow to enable patrols with a boat. Having complied with required processes, the Ministry has submitted an application to to gazette the portion of the Okavango River as a FPA at the Joseph Mbambangandu Conservancy. This will ensure that all fishing practices comply with the community established Fisheries Management Plans.