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Weed intrusion threatens Okavango fishing and tourism
Gaborone (AFP) Jan 3, 2010 The Okavango Delta, a natural treasure in northern Botswana, is under threat after a large portion of the reservoir was infested with weed threatening tourism and fishing industries. Salvinia molesta weed also known as Kariba weed, which originates from South America, is believed to have found its way to the delta through the water that flows in from Angola's infested rivers. The free floating dark green weed makes it very difficult for cruising, especially on canoes, and also suffocates the different fish species which is a headache for communities who depend on the delta for their livelihood. "It is thus important for members of the community and tour operators to combine forces and fight this weed which is threatening the livelihood of most people in the Okavango region. "Its effects may not be felt at the moment but if it spreads further then the fishermen will definitely feel the pinch," said Ketlhatlogile Masepelinge, a fisheries biologist at the University of Botswana. The problem which was increasing prompted the community and tourism stakeholders to work together to get rid of weed as both parties had a lot to lose should the weed spread. "Fishing is a source of income for most of us in this part of Botswana, and if it means working day and night to destroy this weed which is threatening our fish, then let it be so," said Faosiko Wake, the chairman of the Okavango Fishermen's Association. Tourism will also suffer should the problem persist. "Tourists love cruising in the delta and we have to make sure that nothing stands in their way," said Morongoe Ntloedibe, chief executive officer of Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana. The weed is being destroyed using weevil insects which feed on it and destroy it in the process. Tour operators and members of the community have to breed this insect which has a lifespan of about 60 days then release it into the delta. "This is the best way of getting rid of this weed as the method is friendly to the environment. We could have used chemicals but these are harmful to other organisms in the water," the director of environmental affairs in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Environment, Steve Monna, told AFP. He said the weed has been present in the delta for some time but in small quantities. However the spread was caused by floodwaters and winds in recent months which prompted government to launch the programme to destroy it. "It is now up to the communities and tour operators to make sure that they work hard in breeding the weevils," he said. Monna said so far the programme was progressing well as both parties had shown commitment to working towards destroying the weed.
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