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Five African countries joined hands to defend the Okavango Delta region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Botswana.
Transnational Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area or KAZA is famous for its biodiversity, unique landscapes, and wildlife. The area is home to over 500 bird species as well as many mammals such as elephants. Wild dogs can be found in the area.
Many large rivers feed the delta. Because border fences were removed in many locations, wild animals are now able to migrate along the same routes as before.
This allows African elephants more space and makes conflicts with humans less common. In addition to national parks, there are also so-called “conservancies” in the protected area where people live. These locals are involved in the conservation measures and are supported in developing ecotourism. The German government is involved in supporting KAZA through the Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW).
The nature reserve is in danger. Recon Africa, a Canadian company has begun drilling in Namibia for oil and gas. Further oil production is planned in Botswana.
Environmentalists warn that there could be serious consequences for our ecosystem. Heavy traffic and oil well drilling are likely to significantly pollute the waters. International and local nature conservation groups are calling for an immediate halt to drilling.
Julia Mielke films
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Protecting Colombia’s biodiversity and unique wetlands
A unique wetland
Although it looks like a lake from the top, it is actually a Cienaga. This is a hillscape of fields and forests that transforms to a wetland as the river overflows its banks. This is an area that is unique and home to many different species. There are approximately 1900 Cienaga in Colombia. The Zapatosa, the largest, is at risk.
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Protecting Colombia’s biodiversity and unique wetlands
Natural resources are being squeezed by palm oil production
There are many reasons for this threat. This is because the forest is being cut down to make way for palm oil and fields. This guzzles water and disrupts the natural balance of nature. Regular droughts are destroying trees that shade the river banks.
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Protecting Colombia’s biodiversity and unique wetlands
The water hyacinth is a toxic newcomer
In these conditions, more invasive plants such as the water hyacinth thrive. The plant spreads rapidly and blocks light from reaching the plants below, leading to fish starving and dying. The thick green covering of plants slows the flow of water and causes silty to accumulate on the banks.
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Protecting Colombia’s biodiversity and unique wetlands
A refined taste
The horses are not supposed to be in the water. The only animal capable of absorbing the toxins in water hyacinth is the horse, which is also the case for cows.
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Protecting Colombia’s biodiversity and unique wetlands
The local source for life
Many people in the area enjoy fishing in the river, without any interference from big fishing companies. They’ve introduced special measures in order to maintain the levels of fish: nets are big enough to allow smaller fish to slip away, and protected areas have also been created.
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Protecting Colombia’s biodiversity and unique wetlands
Keep the trees alive
The environment can also be protected by reforestation. Locals have planted seeds in local nurseries and collected the seeds.
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Protecting Colombia’s biodiversity and unique wetlands
Living in the Shade
These trees offer shade and food for fish along the riverbank. The fruit that falls into water is also a benefit to animals. A stable food source means many offspring, which is good news for fishermen. The locals can take control of their futures by taking care of the newly planted trees.
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Protecting Colombia’s biodiversity and unique wetlands
Back garden farms that thrive
To survive dry seasons, locals are now growing food in their “family gardens”. Many houses have little pieces of land that were left uncultivated. They are now full of vegetables, fruit trees and herbs.
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Protecting Colombia’s biodiversity and unique wetlands
Curious creatures
Locals may also keep livestock to provide meat and eggs for their animals. They organize their neighbors to help each other grow food so that they can trade later.
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