29/07/2025
𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐖𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐒 𝐀 𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐒𝐀𝐑 𝐖𝐄𝐓𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘
As of the 64th meeting of the Ramsar Convention Standing Committee on 24 January 2025, Shakawe (Botswana) has officially been listed amongst newly accredited "Wetland Cities" under the Ramsar Wetland Accreditation City (WCA) Scheme. The Chairperson of the Okavango District Hon Gaopalelwe Ronald recently received the certificate on behalf of the district in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Declaring Shakawe as a “Ramsar Wetland City” would elevate it from simply hosting a Ramsar-designated wetland in its vicinity to a city that integrates its wetlands into civic pride, planning, and sustainable development—a growing global framework meant to highlight how people and wetlands can coexist harmoniously.
🌱 What Is a Ramsar Wetland City?
Although the Ramsar Convention primarily identifies Ramsar Sites (wetlands of international importance), the concept of a “Ramsar Wetland City” (also known as a “Wetland City Accreditation” or “WCA”) is an additional recognition, not formally part of the original treaty, but sponsored by Ramsar to encourage cities:
To preserve, integrate, and manage urban wetlands sustainably.
To view wetlands as crucial elements of urban identity, climate resilience, and biodiversity.
To create awareness that wetlands support human well‑being, tourism, culture, and ecosystem services .
🎯 Why It Matters for Shakawe
1. Place in the Okavango Delta Ecosystem
Shakawe is located at the head of the Okavango Delta, which is one of the world’s largest inland freshwater deltas and a Ramsar-worthy ecosystem. Shakawe functions as a gateway and local hub for both tourism and the ecology of the region .
2. Urban and Environmental Benefits
Shakawe would:
Highlight urban planning that integrates wetland conservation.
Unlock opportunities for eco-tourism, sustainable livelihoods, and international cooperation.
Strengthen local governance around water management, wildlife habitat protection, and community engagement.
3. International Recognition & Support
As a designated “Ramsar City,” Shakawe would be globally flagged as a model for urban-wetland coexistence, potentially attracting:
Technical guidance and funding from Ramsar networks and partners (like IUCN and WWF),
Research collaborations,
Conservation awards and visibility.
🪶 Ramsar City Accreditation at a Glance
Element What It Means
Urban Wetland Integration Wetlands seen as essential parts of city planning
Sustainable Management Commitment Local policies to protect hydrology, biodiversity, water supply
Cultural & Educational Value Promoting wetlands through tourism, learning, festivals
Global Recognition Networked with other Ramsar‑accredited cities for shared best practices
Shakawe is a historic riverside village on the Okavango River, first settled centuries ago by Hambukushu people migrating from southeastern Angola after escaping authoritarian rule—led by chiefs such as Shakapuka—and naming the settlement after a local shrub called “Shakawe” . For much of the 20th century it remained a quiet outpost, but over recent decades its strategic location at the northern entry point to the Okavango Delta and proximity to Tsodilo Hills (a UNESCO World Heritage rock art site) spurred growth .
According to Botswana’s 2022 census, the population of Shakawe and its associated localities reached 10,589 inhabitants, up from 6,693 in 2011 . The community includes ethnic groups such as the Hambukushu, Baherero, Bayeyi, and San (Basarwa) .
Significant recent developments include the opening of a Shakawe Senior Secondary School in early 2013, improving access to secondary education for local youth . The village is also served by Shakawe Primary Hospital and a clinic, indicating expansion in healthcare infrastructure . In 2022–2023, the Mohembo–Shakawe Bridge replaced the previous ferry crossing, improving road connectivity with the rest of Botswana and neighboring Namibia .
COP 📸 Okavango District Council
