Okavango Wilderness Project Team

The greater Okavango River Basin is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in southern Africa – and the main source of water for a million people. Its delta, located in northern Botswana, is one of Africa’s richest places for biodiversity. But the delta’s future is uncertain. Its health is linked to that of rivers that originate in Angola, then converge and flow through Namibia into Botswana. These rivers are vital to the region’s future, but are currently unprotected outside of Botswana.

Water
An average of 2.5 trillion gallons of water flow through the Okavango watershed every year, providing water to a million people and creating a haven for wildlife. Over 95 percent of the water that flows to the delta originates from rainfall in the Angolan highlands. Protecting these source rivers is the key to preserving the richness of life in this unique place.

Biodiversity
The Okavango Delta is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in southern Africa and is home to over 1,000 species of plants, more than 480 species of birds, 130 species of mammals, and numerous species of reptiles and fish. So far, the expedition team has discovered 11 species new to science, more than 60 species potentially new to science, and more than 90 species previously unknown in Angola.

Community
The communities near the Okavango’s headwaters are mainly of Bantu descent, with a heavy Portuguese influence on their beliefs and customs. Many villages the expedition team visited were first established in the 1940s, but abandoned during Angola’s civil war, with communities returning only after the war ended in 2002.

Since 2015, a team of intrepid scientists and conservationists has ventured through uncharted regions of Angola to conduct comprehensive surveys of the critical river systems that feed the Okavango Delta. Led by National Geographic Fellow Steve Boyes, and joined by Angolan ichthyologist and National Geographic Explorer Adjany Costa, expert guide Tumeletso “Water” Setlabosha, and dozens of others, the team has discovered more than 60 species potentially new to science, documented environmental challenges facing the region, and joined with the government of Angola to develop a plan to protect the region for generations to come.

The award, presented by Rolex, honours individuals who make scientific discoveries and share them to benefit the world. Every year, the award is typically given to an individual, who has contributed significantly to exploration and storytelling.