ODMP Fire Management Plan Inception Report 24th March 2006

EnviroNET Solutions Pty Ltd
South Africa
INCEPTION REPORT
VEGETATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN
COMPONENT 8
Presented by:
Dr W.S.W. Trollope – Project Leader

Ms L.A. Trollope
Mr C. de B. Austin
Mr A. Held
Mr C.J.H. Hines
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23rd March, 2006

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Table of Contents
Page
1. INTRODUCTION ..……..…………………… 5
2. OVERALL OBJECTIVE …………………………… 7
3. OVERALL GOALS …………………………… 7
4. OUTPUTS FROM THE PROJECT …………………………… 8
5. COMMENTS ON THE TERMS OF REFERENCE…………………………… 8
7. PROJECT ACTIVITIES …………………………… 9
8. PROJECT TEAM …………………………… 10
9. UNDERSTANDING OF THE REQUIRED STUDY………………………… 10
10. TECHNICAL DISCUSSION …………………………… 12
10.1 Collection, Assimilation, Analysis And Evaluation

Of Information Pertinent To The Fire Ecology Of
The Okavango Delta Ramsar Site …………………………… 12
10.1.1 Objective …………………………… 12
10.1.2 Approach & Methodology …………………………… 12
10.1.3 Timing & Personnel …………………………... 13
10.1.4 Anticipated Difficulties …………………………… 13
10.2 Assessment of Current Strategies to Control Fire

In the Okavango Delta Site …………………………… 14
10.2.1 Objective …………………………… 14
10.2.3 Timing & Personnel …………………………… 14
10.3 Identification of Deficiencies in Current Knowledge

On Fire Ecology of the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site ……………. 15
10.3.1 Objective …………………………… 15

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10.3.3 Timing & Personnel ………………………..…. 15
10.3.4 Anticipated Difficulties ………………………..…. 15
10.4 Development of Initial Fire Management Strategy

for the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site …………………………… 16
10.4.1 Objective …………………………… 16
10.4.3 Timing & Personnel ……………………………. 16
10.4.4 Anticipated Difficulties ………………………….... 16
10.5 Fire Management Plan for the Okavango

Delta Ramsar Site …………………………… 16
10.5.1 Objective …………………………… 16
10.5.3 Timing & Personnel …………………………... 17
10.6 “On-the-Job” Training of Staff …………………………… 17
10.6.1 Objective …………………………… 17
10.7 Recommendations for Future Training and

Capacity Building for Improved Fire Management …………………. 18
10.7.1 Objective …………………………… 18

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11 LIAISON & CONSULTATION ………………………….. 18
11.1 Department of Forestry & Range Resources ………………….. 18
11.2 Other Government Institutions ………………………….. 19
11.3 Other Okavango Delta Management Plan

Consultants ………………………….. 19
11.4 Local Communities ………………………….. 19
11.5 Relevant NGO’s ………………………….. 20
12 PAST EXPERIENCE ………………………….. 20
13 MANAGEMENT, ORGANISATION &

MANPOWER ALLOCATION ………………………….. 20
14 TRAINING OF COUNTERPARTS ………………………….. 22
15 FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT ………………………….. 22
16 REFERENCES ………………………….. 22
List of Figures
Figure 1. Key Activities that will be undertaken in the project ……………….. 9
List of Tables
Table 1. Members of the Project Team and their

roles and responsibilities ………………………….. 10
Table 2. The timetable extending from

1st March to 8th July 2006 ………………………….. 21
List of Appendices
Appendix 1. Rangeland Burning Questionnaire for Communities –

Okavango Delta Management Plan (ODMP) …………………… 24
Appendix 2. Curriculum Vitea – Mr Anthony Emery ………………………….. 40
Appendix 3. Terms of Reference ………………………… 42

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1. INTRODUCTION
On the 4th April 1997, Botswana became a contracting party of “The Ramsar Convention”
and listed the Okavango Delta as the world’s largest wetland of international importance.
The Okavango Delta Ramsar Site is situated at the northern most edge of the Kalahari
Desert in north western Botswana immediately south of the Caprivi Strip in Namibia. It is
55374 square kilometers in extent and is sustained by water from the Okavango River
yielding between 8-15 thousand million cubic metres of water per annum from its
catchment areas in Namibia and Angola (Appendix 1). Arising from this contractual
commitment and in order to ensure the Delta’s conservation and wise use, the Okavango
Delta Management Plan (ODMP) project proposal was drawn up in 2002 as a means: “to
integrate resource management for the Okavango Delta that will ensure its long term
conservation and that will provide benefits for the present and future well being of the
people, through sustainable use of its natural resources”. The strategy that was adopted to
achieve the implementation of the ODMP was amongst other things, to collectively create a
greater sense of responsibility and accountability amongst communities and in existing
institutions with a mandate to manage the Delta and its resources. In doing so, 10
components and their respective responsible institutions were identified. One of the
primary and important components listed in the ODMP report was that of Vegetation
Resources and its management is the responsibility of the Department of Crop Production
(DCP), Ministry of Agriculture and Department of Forestry and Range Resources and the
Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism. This component has the responsibility “to
ensure sustainable management of the Okavango Delta vegetation initiated and supported
by providing accurate data and assisting in resolving vegetation management conflicts ”
This includes considering the ecology and use of fire in the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site
where generally wild fires are perceived to be an increasing problem in terms of their
frequency, severity and uncontrolled nature. This issue has been raised by both
communities and tourism sector stakeholders during consultation meetings and their
concerns are echoed by the large areas of the Delta, both in the wetland portions and the
surrounding dry sand veld, that are seen to be burnt each year(Anonymous, 2004). This
concern about the widespread occurrence of wildfires provided the motivation for initiating
this project to study the fire ecology of the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site and formulate a
fire management plan as part of the responsibilities of the Vegetation Resources
component.
The vegetation of the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site can be divided into five broad
vegetation units, namely, the Permanent Swamp in the north western Panhandle region of
the Delta and extending south east into the fan of the Delta; the Burkea Woodlands on
either side of the Permanent Swamp; the Seasonal Swamp adjacent to the Permanent
Swamp in the fan of the Delta, the Mopane Woodlands surrounding the Delta in the north
east and the Acacia Woodlands in the south west (Mendelsohn & el Obeid, 2004). From
historical accounts it appears that fire has been used by the inhabitants of the Okavango
Delta to burn the vegetation resources for different lifestyle practices for centuries. Tinley
(1966) mentions that the Maswara River Bushmen who have inhabited the Delta since
before 1750 “do considerable damage to the country by firing the flood plain grasslands,
which sometimes burn for weeks”. In 1800 the Batawana community moved northward and
settled in the Maun area where Stigand in 1923 noted that there were 500 dwellings at
Maun and referred to the fact that they burnt the swamp and reed beds annually in
preparation for ploughing. Despite fires being common and widespread in and around the
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Okavango Delta and as noted are an integral ecological process and historical land-use
practice the fire ecology of the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site has until recently never been
intensively and scientifically investigated. A major step forward have been the three recent
post-graduate research projects conducted by Cassidy (2003) investigating the livelihoods
and spatial dimensions of anthropogenic burning in the Okavango Panhandle, Heinl (2005)
studying fire and its effects on vegetation in the Okavango Delta and Sento (2003)
investigating the effects of fire threatening the production of thatch grass in the Panhandle.
While all studies are highly commendable and significant scientific contributions to
describing and understanding the fire ecology of the Okavango Delta they are all short term
investigations that cannot fully describe the long term effects of burning on the vegetation
in the different vegetation types in the Delta. Considerable information is available on the
general effects of the fire regime on the non-flooded vegetation types in the Delta Ramsar
Site from research conducted in the arid savannas elsewhere in southern Africa (Bond &
van Wilgen, 1996; Trollope, 1982; Trollope, 1984; Trollope, 1999; van Wilgen et al, 2003).
This opinion is supported by Heinl (2005) who concluded that the general response of the
vegetation to fire in the drylands of the Okavango Delta is similar to the savannas
elsewhere in southern Africa. However, long term data on the effects of fire on the
vegetation in the Permanent and Seasonal Swamps is not available.
The concern for the negative impact of fire on the vegetation specifically in the dry sand
veld areas is supported by a preliminary investigation conducted in 2005 by two of the
consultants (Dr & Mrs Trollope) in Concession Area No 34 located north east of Maun and
contiguous to the southern border of the Moremi Game Reserve. Observations showed
that wildfires that had occurred during 2005 in Mopane Woodland with a sparse cover of
pioneer grass species dominated by Aristida congesta, the herbaceous layer had been
very negatively affected and converted into extensive areas devoid of herbaceous
vegetation and prone to wind erosion. This observation led to the conclusion and
recommendation that the Mopane woodlands in particular should be excluded from burning
and wildfires should be controlled especially in normal to below average rainfall years as a
matter of priority in this vegetation type. (Trollope & Trollope, 2005). Therefore an important
element in the sustainable management of vegetation in the Delta is the development of a
comprehensive fire management plan to control frequent wild fires that threaten to
seriously damage and alter the vegetation resources and impact on rare and endangered
species e.g. Slaty Egret and Sititunga habitats.
However, it should be borne in mind that the often perceived negative impacts of fire on the
vegetation are the combined interaction of fire and herbivory. Therefore considering that
the human population and its associated livestock numbers have increased considerably
since early times, the perceived negative impacts of fire in the Delta region may also have
been magnified by the interaction of fire and livestock rather than fire per se. This
possibility also applies to the wildlife areas where the severe impact of increasing numbers
of elephants in the Delta system may also have combined with fire to escalate the pressure
on the Okavango Delta ecosystem. The interacting effects of fire and herbivory have been
clearly and well documented in the Kruger National Park (Trollope et al, 1998) and in the
Serengeti National Park (Dublin, 1995). Experience gained by field personnel of the
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) suggests that the Okavango Delta
system is driven by an interaction of available water, fire and elephants (Personal
Communication, 2006).
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Therefore in order to develop a meaningful fire management plan for the Okavango Delta
Ramsar Site it is first necessary to develop a comprehensive description of the fire regime
in the Ramsar Site i.e. type and intensity of fire and season and frequency of burning. This
must be followed by an investigation of the fire ecology of the Ramsar Site describing the
effects of type and intensity of fire and season and frequency of burning on the vegetation
and fauna if possible. A description of the general fire regime and fire ecology will be
possible for the drylands of the Ramsar Site (Mopane, Acacia & Burkea Woodlands) and
will be achieved by drawing on the published effects of fire in southern African savannas
and studying the reported investigations on fire in the Delta by Cassidy (2003), Heinl
(2005) and Sento (2003). This will be more difficult for the Permanent and Seasonal
Swamps because of the lack of long term research data both on the fire regime and fire
ecology of these two vegetation units. However, indications on the season and frequency
of burning will be obtained from satellite data analysed and summarized by Cassidy (2003),
Heinl (2005) and Sento (2003). In addition to this information a preliminary assessment of
the condition of the vegetation in relation to fire will be conducted in the aforementioned
major vegetation types. This will be done using, where applicable procedures and
quantitative criteria that have been developed in southern and east Africa to assess
whether there is an ecological requirement and necessity for controlled burning as a
management practice for the vegetation in its current and potential condition. Finally
personal interactive surveys will be conducted using a standardized questionnaire with
appropriate representatives from traditional communities, tourism sector stakeholders and
relevant Government departments and divisions to determine their perspectives on the
current reasons for burning and the fire regime and fire ecology of the Okavango Delta
Ramsar Site.
2. OVERALL OBJECTIVE
The overall objective of the project is to gain an understanding of the impact of fire in the
Delta and based on literature reviews and insights gained in the time allocated to the
project and to develop a fire management plan for the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site in
order to ensure sustainable use and management of the vegetation in the Delta and to
control the frequent wildfires occurring in this unique African wetland ecosystem.
3. OVERALL GOALS
The goals in implementing the overall objective will be to:

3.1 Determine the basic causes of fire in the Delta and identify those that are natural
and those that are of anthropogenic origin and where possible to establish to what
extent anthropogenic fires are accidental or deliberate;
3.2 Determine the effects of fires on the major landscapes/vegetation types and the
associated fauna;
3.3 Develop simple and practical quantitative ecological criteria that can be used to
differentiate between areas that can be considered for controlled burning and areas
where fire should be excluded to safeguard the productivity, sustainability and
biodiversity of the ecosystem. Such criteria based on the botanical composition, cover
and standing crop of the vegetation have been successfully developed and used for
fire management in other savanna areas in southern and east Africa. Consequently
one of the primary objectives of this study in the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site will be
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to develop similar ecological criteria that can be used to both control the occurrence of
wildfires and to provide clear guidelines for the use of controlled burning as an
ecologically acceptable management practice for the different systems of land use in
the Ramsar site;
3.4 Use existing maps obtainable from the Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research
Center (HOORC), the vegetation classification by Mendelsohn & el Obeid in 2004 and
quantitative ecological criteria for identifying vegetation types in the Ramsar site with
different potentials for supporting fires as a means of effectively preventing, controlling
or managing wild fires with limited fire fighting resources; Based on data collected
during field trips produce a fire management plan that:
 States the ecologically permissible and non-permissible reasons for using fire
as a range management practice;
 Describes the fire regime in terms of type and intensity of fire and season and
frequency of burning recommended for the permissible reasons for using fire
as a range management practice;
 Describes the post-fire range management recommended for areas used for
different systems of land use;
 Describes the practical procedures to be followed and equipment to be used
for the successful and safe application of controlled burning;
 Identifies aspects of the fire regime and its effects on the ecosystem that
require further research;
3.5 Address the requirements of the Herbage Preservation Act relating to controlled
burning that states that it is illegal and punishable by law to set the rangeland on fire
that one does not have legal rights over. Clarify the administration of the Act and the
requirements by relevant stakeholders for being able to use controlled burning as a
range management practice in terms of the Act;
3.6 Involve Botswana Government staff and other relevant stakeholders in the
development of the fire management plan thereby ensuring the necessary transfer of
skills and knowledge for the management of fire in the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site.
4. OUTPUTS FROM THE PROJECT
The outputs from the project will be:

 Inception Report;
 Survey Report – Condition Of The Vegetation in the Okavango Delta Ramsar
Site
 Draft Final Report – Fire Management Plan for the Okavango Delta Ramsar
Site
 Final Report – Fire Management Plan for the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site
5. COMMENTS ON THE TERMS OF REFERENCE
The consultants find the terms of reference clear and appropriate for the development of a
fire management plan for the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site.
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6. PROJECT ACTIVITIES
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STAKEHOLDERS
Desktop Study
Inception Report
Planning Meeting for field trips to South West,

DFRR, DWNP,
DWA
West & North West of the Ramsar site
Field assessments of range condition for burning in major vegetation

DFRR, DWNP,
DWA
types, interviews, fire management capacity & training needs
Data review & report preparation

Planning Meeting for field trips to South East,
DFRR, DWNP,
DWA
East & North East of the Ramsar site
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Figure 1: Key activities Field assessments of range condition for burning in major vegetation
DFRR, DWNP,that will be undertaken in the project
DWA
types, interviews, fire management capacity & training needs
Data review & further report preparation
Report on field assessments, survey & interviews
Preparation of Draft Report
Presentation of Draft Report
Preparation of Final Report
Presentation of Final Report

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8. PROJECT TEAM
Table 1: Members of the Project Team and their roles and responsibilities.
Name Project Role Responsibility

Design & co-ordinate technical
Professor Team Leader & programme, maintain project leadership,
Winston Trollope Fire Ecologist literature review, vegetation and Range
Condition assessments, interviews, data
analyses, compilation & presentation of
reports, attend meetings
Literature review, vegetation & range
Ms Lynne Technician condition assessments, interviews, data
Trollope analyses, report compilation, assist with
development of presentations, attend
meetings
Literature review, vegetation species
Mr Chris Hines Vegetation
identification, range condition assessments
Specialist
Interviews, field assessment of fire
Mr Chris de Fire Fighting & management capacity, needs in fire
Bruno Austin Management training & capacity building, review of fire
Specialist related acts, recommendations to
inclusions & restructuring of Acts &
Policies, training recommendations
Interviews, field assessment of fire
Mr Alex Held Fire Fighting & management capacity, needs in fire
Management training & capacity building, review of fire
Specialist related acts, recommendations to
inclusions & restructuring of Acts &
Policies, training recommendations
Will provide GIS capabilities where
Mr Anthony GIS Specialist
necessary (will be based at Head Office in
Emery
Nelspruit, South Africa)
9. UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE REQUIRED STUDY
ENVIRONET Solutions (ENS) are well equipped to develop a practical and effective fire
management plan for the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site because:
 It has a team of highly experienced fire ecologists and fire managers that have been
involved in researching the fire ecology of African savannas and developing
practical fire management plans and training programmes for wild life management
and domestic livestock systems in southern and east Africa for over 20 years. For
individual experience refer to the attached CV’s for the different team members;
 The research leader in this specific project will be Professor W.S.W. Trollope whose
research career at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa focussed on
investigating the effects of the fire regime in the savanna areas of the Eastern Cape
14
Province and Kruger National Park in South Africa. In the last decade Professor
Trollope assisted by his wife Mrs Lynne Trollope have extended this research
program to include investigations into the fire ecology of the central highlands of
Kenya and are currently involved in a research program in the Ngorongoro Crater in
Tanzania. Besides conducting research on the fire ecology of African savannas
Professor Trollope has been actively involved in translating these research findings
into management plans that are being actively applied on commercial and
communal ranching operations and in the Kruger National Park and Tsolwana
Nature Reserve in South Africa, on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, the
Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, the Caprivi Region in
Namibia and the Gile National Reserve in Mozambique. In addition Professor and
Mrs Trollope visited the Okavango Delta in 2004 where they explored the extensive
Permanent Swamp area in the Panhandle at Shakawe and acted as advising
consultants for recommendations on fire management for Concession Area No 34 in
the Okavango Delta in 2005;
 Furthermore, Mr. Chris Austin together with Mr. Alexander Held have a thorough
understanding of problems involving wildfires in Africa. Mr Austin is currently the
implementing agent for the Working on Fire Programme in South Africa and the
implementing agent for the Global Fire Monitoring Centre (GFMC)-Wildland Fire
Training Centre Africa (WFTCA). The WFTCA was founded by Mr. Alexander Held
as one of the first activities of the regional Sub-Sahara Wildland Fire Network -
AfriFireNet. Mr. Held is currently acting as the coordinator of AfriFireNet;
 Mr Chris Hines is a highly experienced plant and wildlife ecologist who until recently
was resident in Namibia where amongst other activities he was the plant ecologist
responsible for developing the vegetation map for the Caprivi Atlas headed by Mr
John Mendelsohn from Namibia;
 Mr Anthony Emery is a director in ENS and is a Geographical Information Systems
(GIS) specialist with experience in the use and development of GIS systems in
wildlife areas. He will be replacing Mr O.T. Lekoko, who was employed by ENS on a
part-time basis and has now obtained a fulltime position with the United Nations. Mr
Emery will attend to any GIS and mapping requirements associated with developing
the fire management plan for the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site.
 In conclusion, ENS fully understands the fire problem outlined in the Terms of
Reference and feels well equipped to produce a practical integrated fire
management plan for the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site.
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10. TECHNICAL DISCUSSION
10.1 Collection, Assimilation, Analysis And Evaluation Of Information Pertinent To

The Fire Ecology Of The Okavango Delta Ramsar Site
10.1.1 Objective
Collect, assimilate, analyse and evaluate all existing information on fire (where,
why, how often, effects of fire on different species.), including traditional
knowledge, feedback from tourism operators as well as scientific studies within
the Ramsar site, as well as information from elsewhere in southern Africa and in
wetlands globally.
10.1.2 Approach & Methodology

 Conduct a review of literature on the effects of the fire regime (type and intensity of
fire and the season and frequency of burning) in African grasslands, savannas and
wetlands. Use will be made of personal literature sources, fire literature on the
internet, the library facilities at the Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre
(HOORC) and the University of Botswana;
 Undertake a minimum of a four week reconnaissance visit to conduct a preliminary
assessment of the condition of the vegetation in relation to controlled burning in the
major vegetation types in the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site. Use where applicable
the procedures such as the Disc Pasture Meter for assessing fuel load and
quantitative criteria developed in the Kruger National Park and elsewhere in Africa to
assess whether there is an ecological requirement and necessity for controlled
burning as a management practice for the vegetation in its current and potential
condition. The Disc Pasture Meter is a technique developed by Bransby & Tainton
(1977) that relates the settling height of a metal disc disc dropped onto the grass
sward from a standard height of 60 cm. A general calibration reflecting the
relationship between the settling height and the phytomass of herbaceous grass
material holding up the disc from ground level has been developed for use in African
grasslands and savannas by Trollope & Potgieter (1986) in southern and east
Africa. The condition of the vegetation will be quantitatively assessed according to
the procedure developed by Trollope et al (2005). This describes and relates the
herbaceous species in the grass sward to a grazing gradient from a high to low
grazing pressure using the categorization of the grass species into Decreaser and
Increaser categories. Based on ecological criteria developed in the Kruger National
Park (Trollope et al,1989) and successfully tested elsewhere in southern and east
African grasslands and savannas rangeland will only be considered for burning if the
grass sward is dominated by Decreaser and/or Inceaser I grass species and is in a
moribund condition generally represented by a standing crop of herbaceous material
≥4000 kg/ha;
 Conduct personal interactive surveys using a standardized questionnaire with
appropriate representatives from traditional communities, tourism sector
stakeholders and relevant Government departments and divisions to determine their
perspectives on the current reasons for and fire regime (type, intensity, season and
frequency) in the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site – see APPENDIX 1: RANGELAND
BURNING QUESTIONNAIRE – COMMUNITIES OKAVANGO DELTA
MANAGEMENT PLAN. The Consultants will conduct interviews with other
Stakeholders using a similar questionnaire to gather data.
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10.1.3 Timing & Personnel

The members of the consulting team responsible for achieving this objective will be
Messrs Winston Trollope, Lynne Trollope & Chris Hines – for timing refer to Table 2.
10.1.4 Anticipated Difficulties

 Due to the abnormally high rainfall currently being experienced in the Ramsar Site
access to many areas is restricted and should water levels not subside sufficiently
by the beginning of April when the field trips will be undertaken it may not be
feasible to obtain an overall picture of the stratification of the vegetation in relation to
the distribution of high and low impact zones for wild fires, or the current condition of
the vegetation for planning purposes. It is necessary to categorize the vegetation
into fire prone and fire sensitive types in order to assess the impact of frequent
wildfires on these different vegetation types, especially the ecologically sensitive
habitats.
 The timing of the project does not coincide with the main fire season in the Delta i.e.
August/September so it will be difficult to gain a comprehensive overview of wild
fires and their spatial and temporal extent. Also because of the extensive area of the
Ramsar site the only feasible method of gaining a true spatial understanding of the
problem of wild fires would be to use aircraft but this has only become apparent from
personal communication since arriving in Maun was not factored into the project
budget;
 It will be difficult to get accurate vegetation assessments during the project time
scale because of seasonal variations in biomass. During the rainy season a high
biomass develops whereas 4 months into the dry season the scenario is completely
different due to mainly seasonal migrations of wild life resulting in high grazing
pressures which changes the quantity of biomass present and therefore available
fuel loads;
 Comprehensive data gathering of traditional knowledge will involve a substantial
amount of traveling and thus may be curtailed by restricted access, time limitations
and may not be completely accurate due to the reticence of the parties involved to
divulge all the necessary information;
 Persons selected for interviewing during planning of data collection may not be
available due to other commitments;
 Due to staff shortages at DFFR and preplanned commitments for the Departmental
staff it may not be possible for dedicated DFFR staff to accompany the consultants
on all the field trips or even for dedicated staff to be present for training in the
assessment techniques. This may seriously impact on knowledge and skills transfer;
 Staff promotions and transfers to other Departments may dissipate the skills and
knowledge transfer process in the long term.
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10.2 Assessment Of Current Strategies To Control Fire The In Okavango Delta

Ramsar Site
10.2.1 Objective
Assess effectiveness of current strategies (e.g. fire breaks, education, etc.) and
policies (i.e. burning allowed with permits) used to stem and control fire in the
Ramsar site and the rest of Botswana and suggest alternatives.

 Based on experience in other African countries the consultants will assess and
compare the current strategy used to stem and control fire in the Ramsar site and
the rest of Botswana and prepare recommendations for the Botswana Government.
The aforementioned experience includes:
i) The consultants have been involved in the ongoing and challenging task of
restructuring and implementing the Veld and Forest Fire Act of the Republic
of South Africa aimed at developing efficient legislation governing fire
management applicable to all the sectors of the different population groups in
South Africa;
ii) Experience gained while consulting for the Global Fire Monitoring Center in
Germany involved in the development of the community orientated National
Guidelines on Forest Fire Management in Namibia;
iii) Experience gained in a number of different African fire ecosystems while co-
ordinating the regional Sub-Saharan Wildland Fire Network, AfriNet on a
volunteer basis;
iv) Practical experience gained in active participation and administration of the
Working On Fire Program in South Africa aimed at the control of disaster
wildfires and the active application of controlled burning in different biomes to
maintain and/or improve biodiversity.
 Participate in the aforementioned personal interactive surveys using a standardized
questionnaire with appropriate representatives from traditional communities, tourism
sector stakeholders and relevant Government departments and divisions to
determine their perspectives on existing fire policies and regulations in the
Okavango Delta Ramsar Site and in Botswana in general – see APPENDIX 1:
RANGELAND BURNING QUESTIONNAIRE–OKAVANGO DELTA MANAGEMENT
PLAN.
 Participate in applicable parts of the total four week reconnaissance visit to the
major vegetation types in the Okavango Delta Ramsar site to obtain first hand
impressions on the effectiveness of the current strategies, policies and regulations
governing the control and use of fire in the Ramsar site.
Messrs Alex Held & Chris Austin – for timing refer to Table 2.

 As noted in section 1.4 accessibility to the Ramsar Site may prove a problem in
completing a comprehensive survey and also availability of staff to act as guides
and informers as to the current situation on the ground.
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 Persons selected for interviewing during planning of data collection may not be
available due to other commitments.
10.3 Identification Of Deficiencies In Current Knowledge On Fire Ecology Of The

Okavango Delta Ramsar Site
10.3.1 Objective
Identify gaps in existing information (e.g. outline additional habitats in the
Ramsar site that require study, such as permanent swamp, dry land areas etc., as
well as other areas of study and make recommendations for future work.

 Arising from the review of literature on the effects of fire in the Okavango Delta
Ramsar Site together with information gathered during the reconnaissance visits
assessing the condition of the vegetation in the major vegetation types, and
interviews with stakeholders the consultants will identify gaps in existing information
and make recommendations for future research work. Preliminary consultation has
already highlighted the negative effect of wildfires on the endangered Slaty Egret
habitat.

Messrs Winston Trollope, Lynne Trollope & Chris Hines – for timing refer to Table 2.

 Access to the Internet is problematic as the ODMP offices have the hardware for
advanced connection but the system is dysfunctional;
 The DFRR has no internet or email facilities and in order for the Consultants to
install a private telephone connection either a residence permit or work permit is
required by Botswana Telecommunications Corporation. Currently the DFRR offices
in Gaborone are negotiating work permits.
 Critical information may be unobtainable because of the dysfunctional internet
facilities at the ODMP office
 Ecological studies to date on the occurrence of fire using satellite imagery cover
only focal areas in the Delta and not the Ramsar Site as a whole. Additional
consulting staff, finances and time are not available to accurately identify gaps in the
current fire information generated from satellite data and the interpretation of
satellite imagery is not in the ToR for this project.
 Difficulties of access to the Ramsar Site, available time and availability of persons
selected for conducting personal interviews may impact negatively on developing a
comprehensive assessment of the condition of the vegetation in all the major
vegetation units and adequately describing the fire regime and fire ecology from
interviews with the relevant stakeholders in the Ramsar Site.
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10.4 Development Of Initial Fire Management Strategy For The Okavango Delta
Ramsar Site
10.4.1 Objective
Using the available information, develop an initial fire management strategy for
the Okavango Delta Ramsar site. This should contain clear recommendations on
how fire can be better managed, on how existing policy can be adapted and
adjusted to achieve this and on the sensitivity of different ecological zones and
habitats to fire.

 Based on the results of:
i) The review of literature;
ii) The preliminary assessment of the condition of the vegetation in the major
vegetation types;
iii) The results from the personal interactive surveys with appropriate
representatives from traditional communities, tourism sector stakeholders and
relevant Government departments and divisions;
The consultants will develop an initial fire management strategy outlining the
recommended fire regime and post-fire management for the wildlife and livestock areas
in the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site. Special attention will be given to identifying
sensitive ecological zones and habitats and formulating recommendations on how fire
can be better managed, existing policy adapted and adjusted to implement the
aforementioned initial fire management strategy for the wildlife and livestock areas in
the Ramsar site.

Messrs Winston Trollope, Lynne Trollope Alex Held & Chris Austin – for timing
refer to Table 2.
10.4.4 Difficulties Anticipated Difficulties

 Difficulties with the aforementioned access to internet facilities at the ODMP office
and the consequent non-availability of essential ecological information on the
internet access may hamper a comprehensive review of literature.
10.5 Fire Management Plan For The Okavango Delta Ramsar Site
10.5.1 Objective
Produce a report that clearly outlines the findings from the aforementioned
investigation e.g. ignition sources, temporal and spatial occurrence and effects
of fire in the Delta, which will provide a useful management tool for both GoB
institutions as well as other stakeholders.

 Produce a comprehensive report on the fire ecology, recommended fire regime for
wildlife and livestock management in the major vegetation types in the Okavango
Delta Ramsar site highlighting:
i) The ecologically permissible reasons for controlled burning;
20
ii) The recommended type and intensity of fire, season and frequency of burning
and post fire management;
iii) Recommended strategies and policies to stem and control the occurrence and
use of fire.

refer to Table 2.

Complete temporal and spatial data is currently non-available on the season and
frequency of burning for the Ramsar Site based on satellite imagery therefore as
mentioned earlier an accurate description of the fire regime for these two components is
currently not possible at this stage.
10.6 “On The Job” Training Of Staff
10.6.1 Objective
Deliver “on-the-job” training to staff of the Vegetation Component in delivery of
the consultancy.

 Consultants will be accompanied by local counterparts, as directed by DFRR, who
will receive on the job training in the assessment of the vegetation for controlled
burning, calculating the Fire Danger Index, assessing Fire Weather and Fire
Behaviour and the organization and procedures for conducting controlled burning
(demonstrations are weather dependant).
 Invitations will be issued to other Departments e.g. DWNP, DWA for inclusion of
selected staff members to participate in on-the-job training.
 Lectures and Power Point presentations will be delivered to Departmental staff and
also students attached to HOORC and both groups will be included in field
demonstrations and preliminary training where possible.
 Where feasible selected community members will be invited to participate in field
demonstrations based on availability of fire fighting equipment and fire crews,
weather permitting.

refer to Table 2.

 Staff of DFRR will not always be available because of other work commitments.
Staff also may not be able to accompany consultants for the whole field component
of the consultancy due to staff shortages and commitments so knowledge and skills
transfer will be fragmented.
 The high turn over rate of staff due to promotions and transfers will also impact on
skills transfer.
21
 Inter-Departmental buy-in to the program might be hampered by time constraints
and staff availability.
 Inclusion of the Communities in skills and knowledge transfer as suggested by the
reviewing committee may be difficult due to time taken to organize meetings and
selection of community members to be involved. This is also not included in ToR but
the consultants are willing to participate in as much skills and knowledge transfer as
is feasibly possible.
10.7 Recommendations For Future Training And Capacity Building For Improved
Fire Management
10.7.1 Objective
Make recommendations for future training and capacity building with the
appropriate departments and stakeholders to facilitate improved fire
management.

 Based on the outcomes and findings and experience from the African Fire Network
(AfriFireNet) and the Wildland Fire Training Centre Africa, the consultants will
present detailed training and capacity building recommendations. All activities will be
coordinated with the DFRR and their proposed Fire Management Programme.
 The consultants recommend the inclusion of the theory and practice of simple, user-
friendly Range Condition Assessment techniques, the use of the Fire Danger Index
for combating wildfires and controlled burning and scientific exposure to the
concepts of Fire Behaviour and Fire Effects be included in the curriculum at
Technikon and University level. This will ensure that future staff employed by
relevant government departments have a working knowledge of basic fire fighting
techniques, fire behaviour and fire management.

Messrs Alex Held & Chris Austin – for timing refer to Table 2.

 The inclusion of vegetation monitoring fire related topics in Technikon and University
curricula will need by-in from the education authorities and a “champion” to drive the
process for any degree of success.
11. LIAISON & CONSULTATION
The consultants will liaise and consult with the DFRR, other Government institutions, other
ODMP consultants, local communities, relevant NGO’s using the following procedures and
activities:
11.1 Department of Forestry & Range Resources:
Report to and hold regular weekly discussions and consultations with Mr Boikago
Maswabi and his staff on progress with:
 The review of fire literature;
22
 Advice on the final formulation of the questionnaire to use for interviewing the
different stakeholders. Interviews with key staff members will also be conducted to
determine the views of the Department of Forestry and Range Resources on the fire
regime, fire ecology and the effects and problem of wildfires in the Ramsar Site
 Results of the personal interviews;
 Assessments of the condition of the vegetation in relation to fire; assessments on
the effectiveness of current strategies and policies to control and use fire in the
Ramsar Site,
 Transfer of fire ecological knowledge to Government and other relevant
stakeholders;
 Progress with the formulation of the draft and final fire management plans for the
Okavango Delta Ramsar Site.
Of course weekly consultations will only be possible when the consultants are not busy
with field surveys away from Maun but during these occasions they will be
accompanied by a staff member from the DFRR thereby maintaining continuous liaison
and consultations with the client.
11.2 Other Government Institutions
The primary form of liaison and consultation with the other Government departments
will be in the form of personal interviews using the aforementioned questionnaire to
obtain their views on the fire regime, fire ecology and the effects and problem of
wildfires in the Ramsar Site. The Government departments that will be liaised with are:
 Ministry of Agriculture MoA
 Ministry of Environment, Wildlife & Tourism MEWT
 Department of Water Affairs DWA
 Department of Wildlife & National Parks DWNP
 Department of Tourism DoT
 North West District Council NWDC
 Tawana Land Board TLB
 District Land Use Planning Unit DLUPU
 Department of Animal Health & Production DAHP
 Department of Crop Production DCP
11.3 Other ODMP Consultants

The primary form of liaison with the other ODMP consultants will be formal and informal
meetings and discussions at the ODMP office and during the regular report back
meetings held with consultants organized by the ODMP.
11.4 Local Communities
Liaison and consultation with the local communities will be in the form of the personal
interviews using the aforementioned questionnaire to obtain their views on the fire
regime, fire ecology and the effects and problem of wildfires in the Ramsar Site. Advice
will be sought from the DFRR on the most relevant communities to liaise with in this
regard.
23
11.5 Relevant NGO’s
As with the Government departments and the local communities personal interviews will
be held with relevant NGO’s affected by fire in the Ramsar Site using the
aforementioned questionnaire to obtain their views on the fire regime, fire ecology and
the effects and problem of wildfires in the study site. Interviews will be organized with
representatives from the following organizations:
 International Union of Conservation IUCN
 World Wildlife Fund WWF
 Okavango Delta Management Plan ODMP
 Okavango River Committee OKACOM
 Harry Oppenheimer Research Center Staff HOORC
 Hotel & Tourism Association of Botswana HATAB
 Botswana Wildlife Management Association
 Tour Operators
 Photographic Concessionaires
 Hunting Concessionaires
 Contractors constructing firebreaks
12. PAST EXPERIENCE
As mentioned earlier ENS has wide experience with developing burning programs in South
Africa, the Caprivi region in Namibia, Mozambique, Ngorongoro and Serengeti in Tanzania
and the central highlands of Kenya. ENS is also involved in the Working on Fire
Programme in South Africa and community based fire management programmes in
Mozambique and Ghana. Involvement with AfriFireNet, the regional Sub-Sahara Wildland
Fire Network also provides ENS with a broad perspective on the requirements for an
integrated ire management plan for the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site.
13. MANAGEMENT, ORGANIZATION AND MANPOWER ALLOCATION
The time table to be used for the development of the Fire Management Plan for the
Okavango Delta Ramsar Site is presented in Table 2. It should be noted that many of the
activities will be conducted in the field and are therefore weather dependent and hence the
time table must be used as a general guide that may have to be adapted when and if
necessary.
24
Table 2: The time table extending from the 1 st March to the 8th July, 2006 to be used
for the development of the Fire Management Plan for the Okavango Delta Ramsar
Site.
DAY MONTH ACTIVITY

1 March Introductory Project Orientation with relevant officials in Gaberone
2 March Travel from Gaberone to Maun by car
3 March Organise accommodation and office space at ODMP in Maun
4 March Organise accommodation in Maun
5 March Organise accommodation in Maun
6-9 March Introductory Project Orientation with relevant officials in Maun
Introductory Project Orientation with relevant officials in Maun and
10 March
preparation of Inception Report
11 - 14 March Preparation of Inception Report
15 March Duplication & circulation of Inception Report
16 March Presentation of Inception Report
Review of literature on fire ecology, current strategies, policies and
regulations governing the control and use of fire in the Okavango
17 - 30 March Delta Ramsar site. Conducting interviews using BURNING
QUESTIONNARE with representatives of different stakeholders in the
Okavango Delta Ramsar site.
30 March Arrival of Chris Hines
31 March Review of Project progress with Chris Hines
Planning reconnaissance trip to the south western, western and north
western regions of the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site to assess
1–2 April
condition of vegetation in relation to controlled burning, fire ecology,
current strategies and policies used to control fires in Ramsar site.
Reconnaissance trip to the south western, western and north western
regions of the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site to assess condition of
3 – 15 April
vegetation in relation to controlled burning, fire ecology, current
strategies and policies used to control fires in Ramsar site.
Analyses of data & preparation of report on assessment of condition
of vegetation in relation to controlled burning, fire ecology, current
16 - 21 April strategies and policies used to control fires in the south western,
western and north western regions of the Okavango Delta Ramsar
site
Planning for reconnaissance trip to the south eastern, eastern and
north eastern regions of the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site to assess
22 - 23 April
current strategies and policies used to control fires in the Ramsar site.
Reconnaissance trip to the south eastern, eastern and north eastern
regions of the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site to assess condition of
24 - 5 Apr – May
strategies and policies used to control fires in the Ramsar site.
Return from reconnaissance trip to the south eastern, eastern and

6 May north eastern regions of the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site to assess
current strategies and policies used to control fires in the Ramsar site.
Analyses of data & preparation of survey report on assessment of
7 - 14 May current strategies and policies used to control fires in the south
eastern, eastern and north eastern regions of the Okavango Delta
Ramsar site
15 May Presentation of report of Survey on assessment of condition of
25
strategies and policies used to control fires in the south eastern,
eastern and north eastern regions of the Okavango Delta Ramsar
site
May – Preparation of Draft Final Report
16 - 4
June
5 June Presentation of Draft Final Report
6-6 Jun – Jul Preparation of Final Report
7 July Presentation of Final Report
14. TRAINING OF COUNTERPARTS
 All the consultants are prepared to be accompanied by selected local counterparts

and to give on-the job-training. Not only in the research component involving the
assessment of the condition of the vegetation in relation to controlled burning, but
also training in calculating the Fire Danger Index, understanding Fire Weather and
Fire Behaviour and the organisation and conducting of controlled burns.
 Practical training in controlled burning will be provided to selected staff and
community members provided there is an appropriate venue available, fire fighting
equipment and adequate fire fighting labour available for the field exercise.
 Basically, all activities displayed in the timetable can be attended by local
counterparts. provided they attend to their own transport and accommodation.
15. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
The Consultant will have the following equipment available for developing the fire
management plan for the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site::
 ENS office in Nelspruit and ENS office in Gaborone including all office facilities
including computers, fax and telephone;
 4 Lap Top Computers;
 2 hand held weather stations;
 2 digital cameras;
 2 FDI calculating charts;
 2 4x4 vehicles.
16. REFERENCES
Anonymous, 2004. Terms of Reference Okavango Delta Management Plan Vegetation

Resources Component: Sub-component 1: Development of a Fire
Management Plan in the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site, Botswana. Agricultural
Resources Board & Division of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife
and Tourism, Government Botswana: 1-12.
Bond, W.J. & van Wilgen, B.W., 1996. Fire and plants. Chapman & Hall, London. P:1 -263.
ISBN 0 8050 14721.
26
Cassidy, L., 2003. Anthropogenic burning in the Okavango Panhandle of Botswana:

Livelihoods and spatial dimensions. MSc Thesis, University of Florida, U.S.A.:
1-211.
Dublin, Holly. T., 1995. Vegetation dynamics in the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem; The role of
elephants, fire and other factors. In: Serengeti II: Dynamics, Management and
Conservation of an Ecosystem. Ed: A.R.E. Sinclair & Peter Arcese. Univ.
Chicago Press, Chicago, London. 71-90.
Heinl, M., 2005. Fire and its effects on vegetation in the Okavango Delta , Botswana.
Doctoral Thesis Nature Conservation, Technical University of Munich,
Germany: 1 - 115.
Mendelsohn, J. & el Obeid, S., 2004. Okavango River – The Flow Of A Lifeline. Struik
Publishers, Cape Town: 1-176.
Sento, S., 2003. Burned area mapping and vegetation recovery rates west of the
Okavango Delta. Master Of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone,
Botswana: 1-62.
Trollope, W.S.W., Trollope, L.A., Biggs, H.C., Pienaar D. & Potgieter, A.L.F., 1998. Long
term changes in the woody vegetation of the Kruger National Park, with special
reference to the effects of elephants and fire. Koedoe, 41, 2: 103-112.
Trollope, W S W., 1982. Ecological effects of fire in South African savannas. In : Ecology of
Tropical Savannas. (ed) B J Huntley & B H Walker. Ecological Studies 42.
Springer - Verlag, Berlin. 292-306.
Trollope, W S W., 1984B. Fire in Savanna. In: Ecological Effects of Fire in South African
Ecosystems. (eds) P De V Booysen & N M Tainton. Ecological Studies 48.
Springer - Verlag, Berlin. 151-175.
Trollope, W.S.W., 1999. Veld Burning In Different Vegetation Types: Savanna. In: Veld
Management In South Africa. Ed. N.M. Tainton. University Natal Press,
Pietermaritzburg. 236 - 242.
Trollope, W.S.W., van den Broeck, D., Brown, D., Webber, L.N. & Nibe, S., 2005.
Assessment of veld condition in the thicket communities of the Great Fish River
Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. African Journal & Forage
Science, in press.
Trollope, W.S.W. & Trollope, L.A., 2005. Assessment of the need for controlled burning in
Concession Area No 34 in the Okavango Delta in Btswana. Department
Livestock & Pasture Science, University Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa: 1-11.
van Wilgen, B.W., Trollope, W.S.W., Biggs, H.C., Potgieter, A.L.F. & Brockett, B.H., 2003.
Fire as a driver of ecosystem variability. In: The Kruger Experience. Eds. Johan
27
du Toit, Kevin H. Rogers & Harry. C. Biggs. Island Press: Washington, Covelo,
London: 149-170.
APPENDIX 1
RANGELAND BURNING QUESTIONNAIRE for COMMUNITIES –
OKAVANGO DELTA MANAGEMENT PLAN (ODMP)
Note: This questionnaire will be used to determine the current fire regime and
general fire ecology of the Okavango Delta RAMSAR site. It will form the basis for
conducting interviews with various stakeholders in the RAMSAR site (government
departments, local communities, lodges, tourist operators etc). The questionnaire
will be completed by the interviewers under the guidance of Dr Winston Trollope and
all information gathered will be treated as confidential.
1. Date: ……………………………………. Time: ……………………………….
2 NAME: …………..…...
…………………………………………………………………….
1. GENDER: ………M: ……………….. F: …………………….
2. AGE: …………………………….
5. EMPLOYED: ……..Y ………………. N ……………………..
6. OCCUPATION: …………………………………………………………………………...
7. COMMUNITY: ……………………………… CHIEF: ...………...................................
7.1 KGOTLA: …Yes................. No..................
7.2 Tel: …………….... Fax: …………………… email: ………………………………
7.3 How many times in the last year have Kgotla meetings been held? …..……………
8. LOCATION:
GPS: S: ……………………………….. E: …………………………………..
8.1 Location Description: ……………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………..………………………………………………….
9. VEGETATION TYPE: ………………………..…………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..…………..
28
10. Do you use fire for land use management? …Y ……………. N ……………
10.1 How often do you use fire in a year for land use management?
Once …………… Twice ……………… Three times …………More …………
11 FIRE ECOLOGY:
11.1 IGNITION SOURCES - %

 Controlled burns: …………………………………………………………….……….
 Uncontrolled burns: ………………………………………………………….……….
 Poachers: …………………………………………………………………….………..
 Lightning: ………………………………………………………………………………
11.1.2 COMMENTS: ……………………………………………………………….……..
………………………………………………………………………………………………….…...
………………………………………………………………………………………………….…...
11.2 REASONS FOR BURNING

 Remove moribund/unpalatable grass: …………………………………………
 Control undesirable plants: ………………………………………………………
 Control ticks / parasite control: .…………………………………………………
 Control other livestock diseases: ……………………………………………….
 Clearing fields: ……………………………………………………......................
 Game viewing: …………………………………………………………………….
 Hunting: ……………………………………………………………………………
 Protection of buildings: …………………………..………………………………
 Promoting fishing: ………………………………………………………………...
 Improving quality of thatch grass: ………………………………………………
 Regeneration of reeds: …………………………………………………………..
 Initiate rain: ………………………………………………………………………..
 Provide protection from predators: ….………………………………………….
 Other: ………………………………………………………………………………
12 CROPS:
12.1 Does the Village have crop fields in the flood plain? Y .…………N …………
12.2 Were any of the fields burnt by uncontrolled wildfires? ….Y ……...…..N …………..
12.3 Where did the fire originate from (Direction: N.S.E.W.)? ………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
12.4 In which month did the fire burn? ………………………………………………………...

29
12.5 What do you think is the reason why people start fires? …………………………..…..
………………………………………………………………………………………………
12.6 Do the Households use fire to clear the floodplains for cropping? Y …….. N ……...
12.7 How often do people have to clear fields using fire for planting? ………...…………..
13 LIVESTOCK:
13.1 Are livestock grazed on the flood plains? Y …………….. N ……………….
13.2 Was there a fire in this area last year? Y ………….. N ……………..
13.3 How was the fire started? …………………………...…………………………………….
13.4 Where did the fire originate from (Direction)? ……………..……………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
13.6 What do you think is the reason people start fires? ……………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
13.7 How often does fire burn the grazing lands? ……………………………………………
13.8 Does fire improve the quality of grazing? Y …………… N ………………
13.9 Would you like have a regular controlled burning program for the grazing lands?
Y …………….. N …………………..
13.10 Do you think the community would accept a controlled burning program and
adhere to it? … Y ………………… N ………………..
14 THATCHING GRASS:
14.1 Does your community/village collect thatching grass? Y ……………. N ………….
14.3 How was the fire started? …………………………………………………………………
14.4 Where did the fire originate from (Geographical)? ……………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………
30
14.6 What do you think is the reason people start fires? ……………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
14.7 How often does fire burn the thatching grass? …………………………………………
14.8 How often do you think it should be burnt? ……………………………………………..
14.9 When do you think is the best time for burning thatching grass? ………………….....
14.10 Does fire improve the quality of thatching grass? Y …………… N ………………
14.11 Would the community like to have a regular controlled burning program for the
thatch grass areas? Y …………….. N …………………..
14.12 Who do you think should be in charge of such a controlled burning program if it
was started? …………………………………………………………………………….
adhere to it? … Y ………………… N ………………..
15 REEDS:
15.1 Does your community/village collect reeds? Y ……………. N ………….
15.4 Where did the fire originate from (Direction)? …………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………
15.6 What do you think is the reason people started fires? …………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
15.7 How often does fire burn the reeds? …………………………………………………….
15.8 How often do you think it should be burnt? ……………………………………………..

31
15.9 When do you think is the best time for burning reeds? ……………………………......
15.10 Does fire improve the quality of reeds? Y …………… N ………………
15.11 Were any reedbeds in the area destroyed before you were finished collecting?
Y …………………. N ………………….
reed areas? Y …………….. N …………………..
was started? …………………………………………………………………………….
adhere to it? … Y ………………… N ………………..
16 OTHERS:
16.1 Does your community/village collect palm leaves/water lily bulbs? Y …… N …….
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
16.7 How often does fire burn the palms ……………. water lily beds ……………………?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………...
16.8 How often do you think they should be burnt? ………………………………………....
16.9 When do you think is the best time for burning them? ………………….....................
16.10 Does fire improve their quality? Y …………… N ………………
32
areas? Y …………….. N …………………..
was started? …………………………………………………………………………….
adhere to it? … Y ………………… N ………………..
17 FISHING:
17.1 Is your community/village involved in fishing? Y ……………. N ………….
17.2 Were there fires in the fishing grounds last year? Y ………….. N ……………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………
17.6 What do you think is the reason people started the fires? ..…………………………...
………………………………………………………………………………………………
17.7 Does fire improve the fishing? Y …………… N ………………
17.8 Do you agree that burning is good for the fish? Y …………… N ……………..
17.8.1 Why? ..…………………………………………………………………………………….
17.9 How often should the fishing areas be burnt? …………………………………………..
17.10 When do you think is the best time to burn to improve fishing? ………………….....
17.11 Thatching grass and reeds should only be burnt later in the season, how do you
think the timing should be worked out so that everyone benefits? ………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………
17.12 would the community like to have a regular controlled burning program for the
fishing areas? Y …………….. N …………………..

33
was started? …………………………………………………………………………….
adhere to it? … Y ………………… N ………………..
18 HUNTING:
Reassure respondents (villagers) that this information is confidential and we won’t be

asking for numbers or types of animals hunted.
18.1 Is anyone in the community involved in hunting? Y …………… N ………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
18.7 How often do the hunters burn the area? …………………………………………........
18.10 Does fire improve hunting? Y …………… N ………………
18.11 Do the hunting fires effect the grazing for the cattle? ………………………………...
18.12 Is this good or bad for the cattle? ……………………………………………………….
areas? Y …………….. N …………………..
was started? …………………………………………………………………………….

34
18.15 Do you think the community/concessionaire would accept a controlled burning
program and adhere to it? … Y ………………… N ………………..

35
19 GAME VIEWING:
19.1 What type of game viewing takes place? Photographic ……... Mokoros ………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
19.9 Does fire improve their quality? Y …………… N ………………
19.10 Do the tourists complain about seeing burnt areas? …………………………...........
19.11 Would the community/concessionaire like to have a regular controlled burning
program for the areas? Y …………….. N …………………..
was started? …………………………………………………………………………….
adhere to it? … Y ………………… N ………………..
20 CONTROLLED BURNING:
20.1 Criteria used for deciding whether vegetation needs to be burnt: ..……………...….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
36
20.2 Who grants permission to burn? ………….…………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
20.3 Burning permits issued by which Dept? .……………………………………………....
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
20.4 Are guidelines for controlled burning stipulated on permits? ..……………………....
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
20.5 Who applies controlled burns: .………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
21 Is there a fire team in the community? …Y …………… N ……………….
21.1 If yes how many members in the team? ……………………………………….
22 How is it co-ordinated? ………………………………………………………......
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
23 Is the fire team successful in its efforts to control wild fires? Y …… N ……
24 Training/Experience of burning crew: ……………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
25 Further training in controlled burning required? Y ………….. N …………
26 Steps taken to contain controlled burns:
26.1 constructed fire breaks: ………………………………………………………………….
26.2 natural fire breaks: ………………………………………………………………………..
26.3 Who constructs them? …………………………………………………………..............
26.4 Are they maintained? …..Y …………………. N …………………
26.5 How often are they maintained? ………………………………………………………..
27 Available equipment for burning:
27.1 Starting fires:

27.1.1.1 drip torch: ………………………………………………………….
27.1.1.2 other: ……………………………………………………………….
37
27.2 Controlling fires:

27.2.1 knapsack sprayers: ……………………………………………….
27.2.2 beaters: ……………………………..……………………………..
27.2.3 bakkie sakkie/slip-on unit: ……………………………………….
27.2.4 protective clothing: ………………………………………………..
27.3 COMMENTS: ……………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
28 WILD FIRES:
28.1 What do you do when you see a wild fire / uncontrolled fire?
a) report it? ….Y ……………… N ……………………

b) to whom? …………………………………………………………………………
c) assist in suppression …………………..
d) refuse to assist with suppression ………………………
e) do nothing about it ………………………
29 FIRE MANAGEMENT
29.1 What fire management policies/strategies are in place that you know of? ………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
29.1.2 Which management strategies do you think should be utilized or are most
appropriate for use? …………………………………………………………………….............
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
29.2 Do you have fire management resources? …..Y ………… N ……………
29.3 What level of management skills do you/ your organization/ community have? …..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
29.4 What would be your main objective in fire management? ……………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
29.5 What capacities/ resources would your organization/ community need to meet
38
these objectives? …………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
29.6 Would your organization/ community be willing to invest money in own capacity/
skills development? ……Y …………… N …………………
29.7 Would your organization/ community make use of fire contract management
services if they existed? ….Y ……………. N ………………
29.8 Do you/ the community see a benefit in having a Fire Danger
Rating System? (Daily Fire Danger Index)? Y …………. N ……………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
29.9 What level of support do you/ the community expect from government? ….….….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
29.10 How do you feel about fire management partnerships
a) with government ………………………………………………………….…………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
b) with your neighbours (maybe all role players in the RAMSAR site) …………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
to be able to share resources and skills to develop fire management objectives and to
meet these objectives?
29.11 Do you/ the community know of existing Fire Awareness Programs in terms of fire
and its effects on the environment and society? Y …………….. N ……………….
29.12 Where are they practiced in the Delta? ………………………………………………

39
30 FIRE REGIME:
30.1 TYPE OF FIRE:
30.1.1 Point ignitions: ………………………………………………………………….….…….
30.1.2 Perimeter ignitions: ………………………………………………………………..…….
30.1.3 CONCLUSIONS: ….……………………………………………………………….…….
Head Fires: ………………………………………………………………………………..

Back Fires: ………………………………………………………………………………...
Combination Head/Back Fires: ………………………………………………………….
30.1.4 COMMENTS: ...…………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
30.2 FIRE INTENSITY:
30.2.1 Do you burn - Grazing land ……… Thatch grass …….… Reeds ……..…
Preparing land for Crops ………
30.2.2 How hot was the fire?

Cool, slow moving with low flames: .……………………………………………….
Medium: ………………………………………………………………..……………...
Fast and very hot with tall flames: .…………………………………………………
30.2.3 How much grass/plants?: …… Ankle high …………. Calf high ………..
Knee high …………… Shoulder high …………
30.2.4 Was the grass/plants green or dry?: ..………………………………………….…...
30.2.5 How dry?: All dry ………… Some brown ………… How much? ……………….
30.2.6 How hot was the day of the fire?: Cool ….…… Hot …..…… Very Hot………….
30.2.7 Was there any wind?: Y……… N………… How strong?………………….….….
Light breeze ………….. Medium ………………… Strong ………………………
30.2.8 COMMENTS: ..…………………………………………………………………………...
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
40
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
30.3 SEASON OF BURN:
Start burning season:………………………………………………………..……….

End burning season: ……………………………………………………….………..
Preferred season of burn: …………………………………………………………..
30 3.1 COMMENTS: ..…………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
30.4 FREQUENCY OF BURNING:
Every year: ……………………………………………………..………………….….

Every 2 nd year: ..………………………………………………….……………….…
Every 3 rd year: ………………………………………………………..…………......
Every 4 th year: …...………………………………………………………..…………
Infrequent: ……………………………………………………………………..………
30.4.1 COMMENTS: ..…………………………………………………………………………...
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
31 GRAZING MANAGEMENT AFTER BURN:
31.1 Livestock Farmers:
 Immediate grazing after burn: …………………………………………………...

 Rest before grazing after burn: ………………………………………………….
31.1.1 COMMENTS: ...…………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
41
31.1.2 Type Livestock - %

Cattle: ………………………………………………………………………………………
Sheep: …………………………………………………………………………………......
Goats: ……………………………………………………………………………………...
Donkeys: …………………………………………………………………………………..
Horses: …………………………………………………………………………………….
31.1.3 COMMENTS: ...…………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
31.2 Wildlife Areas
31.2.1 Size of Burnt area (ha)?

 Small: ………………………………………………………………………………
 Medium: ……………………………………………………………………………
 Large: ………………………………………………………………………………
31.2.2 COMMENTS: ...…………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
31.2.3 Immediate grazing after burn: …………………..……………………………………...
31.2.4 Delayed grazing after burn: ………………………..…………………………………...
31.2.5 COMMENTS: ...…………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
33 GENERAL COMMENTS ABOUT CURRENT USE OF FIRE (What is your opinion?)
33.1 REASONS FOR BURNING: ..…………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
42
33.2 FIRE REGIME:
33.2.1 Type of Fire: ……Head/with wind ……………… Back/against wind…….……..…
33.2.2 Fire Intensity: … Cool ……………Medium…………………Hot………………………
33.2.3 Season of burn: Spring………Before rain? ……… After rain? …………………
Summer…………Autumn………Winter……………...
33.2.4 How often should areas be burnt?: …………………………….....
Every year: ……………………………………………………..………………….….

Every 2 nd year: ..………………………………………………….……………….…
Every 3 rd year: ………………………………………………………..…………......
Every 4 th year: …...………………………………………………………..…………
Infrequent: ……………………………………………………………………..………
33.2.5 Grazing management after burning: ……………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
33.2.6 Research requirements: …………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
33.2.7 COMMENTS: ...…………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
34 IMPACTS AND THREATS OF WILDFIRES:
34.1 Personal Safety: ..…………………………………………………………………..…….
………………………………………………………………………………………….
34.2 Infrastructural Safety: ..……………………………………………………………..……
………………………………………………………………………………………….
34.3 Crop farming: ..……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
34.4 Livestock farming: ..…………………………………………………………………..…..

43
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
34.5 Tourism: ..………………………………………………………………………….………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
34.6 Hunting: ..……………..……………………………………………………………….…..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
34.7 Fishing: ..…………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Thank you for your time, co-operation and information. It is appreciated

and we will organize to provide feedback to the Community through the
Department of Forestry and Range Resources.
W.S.W. Trollope, L.A. Trollope, A. Held & C.de B Austin

ENVIRONET SOLUTIONS
22nd March, 2006
44
APPENDIX 2: CURRICULUM VITEA – MR ANTHONY EMERY
1. PERSONAL DATA
Family Name: Emery First Name: Anthony
Year of Birth: 1971-05-05
Civil status:
Number of children (below 18 years of age): 2
Nationality: South African
Country of Permanent Residence: South Africa
2. EMPLOYMENT RECORD
(Most recent employment first)
Employer's Company Name: From month/year to Position with the Company:
month/year
EnviroNET Solutions (Pty) January 2002 - Present Director
Ltd
Mpumalanga Parks Board 1999 - 2002 Co-ordinator Information
Management Systems
Mpumalanga Department of 1996 - 1999 Environmental Officer of the
Environmental Affairs and division Data Management
Tourism
3. EDUCATION
Institution (University, etc.), From month/year to Degree/Diploma and year
City and Country: month/year obtained:
University of Cape Town 1993 Bachelor of Science

Majors: Zoology and Botany
University of Cape Town 1994 Bachelor of Science, Honours
Honours: Zoology
Department
University of Cape Town 1996 Master of ScienceMasters:
Conservation Biology at the
FitzPatrick Institute of African
Ornithology
45
4. LANGUAGE SKILLS
Language: Formal Speaking Reading skills: Writing skills:
Education: skills:
English English Mother tongue Mother tongue Mother tongue
Afrikaans English Average Average Average
5. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
5 Years of experience in Geographic Information Systems, 2 years at the Department of
Environmental Affairs and 3 years at the Mpumalanga Parks Board as the co-ordinator of the
Information Management Systems. Responsibilities included the total management and
running of an Information Management and GIS office. This has included the setting up of the
office, financial management, staff management, management of software and hardware,
hardware and software support, analysis of data, capturing and cleaning of data, data storage
and training. 5 Years of experience of working with GIS programmes ArcInfo, ArcView, Spatial
Analyst, Pathfinder Office, and CyberTracker and database programme MS Access.
2001: Strategic Environmental Assessment of instream flow requirements for Mpumalanga
Province. Responsible for the management of the project, design of analysis and
prioritisation methodology, analysis of spatial information, modelling of species
distributions, the write-up of the Landscape and Vegetation communities chapters, and
the editing and compilation of the final report.
2000: Wetland mapping in the Mpumalanga Province. Designing techniques for the mapping
of wetlands and the design and creation of appropriate databases.
2000: Rhino monitoring using CyberTracker. Responsible for the management of the
CyberTracker software and database.
2000: Managing natural resource harvesting in a protected area: the use of a GIS tool to
predict harvesting pressure from diffuse and defined access points. In conjunction with
Lyndon D. Estes, Jane K. Turpie and Marc Stalmans. I was responsible for the design
and analysis of the GIS component of the project.
1998: Mpumalanga State of the Environment Report. Responsible for the collection and
analysis of spatial information, and editing of chapters. Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism internal report.
1997: Environmental audit on the N'Komati Irrigation Expansion Project.

46
Agricultural Resources Board & Division of Forestry in the

Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism
and
Range Ecology Section in the Ministry of Agriculture
and
Okavango Delta Management Plan, Project Secretariat
______________________________________________________________________________
TERMS OF REFERENCE
ODMP Vegetation Resources Component
Understanding and managing fire in the Okavango Delta

Ramsar Site, Botswana
______________________________________________________________________________
May 2005
47
1. BACKGROUND
1.1 On the 4th April 1997, Botswana became a contracting party of “The Ramsar Convention” and
listed the Okavango Delta as the world’s largest wetland of international importance.
1.2 In order to ensure the Delta’s conservation and wise use, The Okavango Delta Management
Plan (ODMP) project proposal was drawn up in 2002 as a means “to integrate resource
management for the Okavango Delta that will ensure its long term conservation and that
will provide benefits for the present and future well being of the people, through sustainable
use of its natural resources” (ODMP, 2002).
1.3 The strategy that will be utilised to realise the implementation of the ODMP is to, amongst other
things, collectively create a greater sense of responsibility and accountability amongst
communities and in existing institutions with a mandate to manage the Delta and its
resources. In doing so, 9 components and their respective responsible institutions were
identified as follows:-
- Policy, Planning and Strategy by the Department of Environmental
Affairs
- Communication by the Department of Environmental Affairs
- Research, data management and participatory planning by Harry
Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre (HOORC)
- Hydrology and Water Resource by Department of Water Affairs (DWA).
- Fisheries by Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP),
Fisheries Division
- Wildlife Management by Department of Wildlife and National Parks
(DWNP).
- Sustainable Tourism and CBNRM by the Department of Tourism (DoT),
Maun and the North West District Council (NWDC)
- Settlement development planning by the NWDC Physical Planning Unit
and the Department of Town and Regional Planning (DTRP).
- Sustainable Livestock Management by the Department of Animal Health
and Production (DAHP)
- Vegetation Resources by the Department of Crop Production (DCP),
Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Resources Board (ARB)
and Forestry Division, Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and
Tourism
- Landuse Planning and Land Management by Tawana Land Board (TLB)
in association with the District Land Use Planning Unit (DLUPU).
- Waste management – NWDC Environmental Health Department
There will also be active stakeholder participation in the main stages, an association of
international stakeholders and an integrated planning process.
1.4 The ODMP requires the Department of Crop Production (DCP), Ministry of Agriculture and the
Agricultural Resources Board (ARB) and Forestry Division, Ministry of Environment,
Wildlife and Tourism, collectively known as the Vegetation Resources component “to
ensure sustainable management of the Okavango Delta vegetation initiated and supported
by providing accurate data and assisting in resolving vegetation management conflicts”
(ODMP Project Proposal 2002)
48
1.5 Wild fires are perceived to be an increasing problem in the Okavango Delta, both in terms of
their frequency, severity and uncontrolled nature. This issues has been raised by
communities, the tourism sector, scientists and other stakeholders during consultation
meetings. Their concerns are echoed by the large areas of the Delta, both in the wetland itself
but also in the dry sand veld surrounding the wetland, that are seen to be burnt each year
1.6 It is apparent from this that existing policy and structures for managing fire are neither adequate
nor effective
1.7 An important element in the sustainable management of vegetation in the Delta is thus the
development of a more effective fire management strategy to better manage the frequent wild
fires occurring within the Ramsar site.
2.0 AREA OF STUDY
2.1 The Okavango Delta is situated at the northern most edge of the Kalahari Desert in north
western Botswana, below the Caprivi Strip in Namibia. It is the largest designated inland
wetland in the world and is fed by the water of the Okavango River with between 8-15
thousand million cubic metres of water per annum from the river’s headwaters in Namibia
and especially Angola.
2.2 The proposed study is to be conducted within the newly proposed boundaries of the existing
Okavango Delta Ramsar site (see Map 1).
49
Map 1 Proposed new boundaries of the existing Okavango Delta Ramsar site – boundary
for the proposed contract
3.0 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
3.1 Overall objective

50
The overall goal and objective is to develop a fire management strategy
3.2 Specific activities
a) Collect, assimilate, analyse and evaluate all existing information on fire (where, why, how
often, effects of etc.), including traditional knowledge, feedback from tourism operators as
well as scientific studies within the Ramsar site, as well as information from elsewhere in
southern Africa and in wetlands globally.
b) Assess effectiveness of current strategies (e.g. fire breaks, education etc.) and policies (i.e.
burning allowed with permits) used to stem and control fire in the Ramsar site and the rest of
Botswana and suggest alternatives.
c) Identify gaps in existing information (e.g. outline additional habitats in the Ramsar site that
require study, such as permanent swamp, dry land areas etc., as well as other areas of study)
and make recommendations for future work.
d) Using the available information, develop an initial fire management strategy for the
Okavango Delta Ramsar site. This should contain clear recommendations on how fire can be
better managed, on how existing policy can be adapted and adjusted to achieve this and on
the sensitivity of different ecological zones and habitats to fire.
e) Produce a report that clearly outline findings from analysis of information, e.g. on why fires
start, where they start, when they start, how often they occur and what their effects are. This
should be aimed at developing an enhanced understanding on the causes and effects of fire
and provide a useful tool to both GoB institutions as well as stakeholders.
f) Deliver “on-the-job” training to staff of the Vegetation Component in delivery of the

consultancy
g) Make recommendations for future training and capacity building with the appropriate
departments and stakeholders to facilitate improved fire management
4.0 REPORTING SCHEDULE AND TIMING OF WORK
4.1 The study shall take 130 days
4.2 The client for this contract is the Vegetation Resources component of the ODMP. The
consultant engaged to deliver this contract will report directly to the staff of the Vegetation
Resources component and the Okavango Delta Management Plan Project Secretariat.
51
4.3 The consultant will be expected to be based in Maun for the duration of the contract. Office
space will be provided by the ODMP Project Secretariat. All meetings will be held in Maun.
4.4 A “Task Force” responsible for technical input and steering of the contract has been
established and the consultant will be expected to report their progress to that group. At each
milestone during delivery of the contract. The composition of the Task Force is as follows:
(a) Vegetation component staff – Mr Kemoreile, Forestry; Mr Maswabi, ARB; Mr

Dithapo, Range Ecology (Chair)
(b) Physical Planner, DTRP/NWDC – Mr Fanuel Kibakaya
(c) ODMP Project Coordinator – Portia Segomelo
(d) ODMP Chief Technical Advisor – ?
(e) Appointed ODMP officer) Tawana Land Board – Mr Shimane Mongati
(f) District Officer (Development), North West District – Mr. G. Macha
(g) District Officer (Lands), North West District – Mr Ramsden
(h) Dept. of Tourism – Felicity Rabolo
(i) Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks – Regional Wildlife Coordinator (S.
Mosojane), CE&O officer (Claudia Zuze), Research (Lettie Pitlagano)
(j) NGO reps, e.g. KCS, CI, People and Nature Trust
(k) Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre – Hannelore Bendsen, Mike
Murray-Hudson, Caspar Bonyongo etc.
(l) Dept. of Animal Health and Production – Mr Gaebope
(m) Other members to be co-opted as and when necessary
4.5 The Consultants shall commence work not later than two weeks after award is made and the
instruction to proceed is given. The consultant will be expected to prepare and submit to the
Vegetation Resources component and the Task Force the following reports:-
a) An Inception Report (5 digital and 15 hard copies) within 2 weeks of signing

of the contract. This report will detail proposed methodologies, timing,
required resources and a detailed plan for the delivery of training as an
integral part of the delivery of this subcomponent
b) Brief progress reports to be delivered at progress meetings on a monthly basis.
Progress reports should outline provisional results, challenges faced etc
c) A Draft Final Report (5 digital and 15 hard copies) to be produced within 5
months of the signing of the contract
d) A Final Report (5 digital and 15 hard copies) to be produced within one month
after discussion of the Draft Final Report
4.6 The exact timing for each of these reporting stages should be aligned with the schedule of
reporting for the ODMP in order to ensure integration of this contract with all other aspects
of the wider ODMP project.
4.7 The consultant will be expected to establish a relationship with other consultants working
under the ODMP and to work with them wherever necessary and appropriate in the
52
achievement of their aims and the overall aim of the ODMP. It will also be important for
them to establish a thorough understanding of the ODMP and its institutions.
4.8 The consultant will be expected to consult with tourism operators in the Delta to establish
their position on fire in relation to activity a) above. Feedback from communities has already
been established through ODMP project consultation and by work done at the HOORC.
4.9 All reports will also ultimately be subject to consideration and approval of the ODMP
structures, i.e. the Project Management Group, the Okavango Wetland Management
Committee and the ODMP Project Steering Committee. Reports from this contract will be
incorporated into the ODMP Framework Management Plan, the Draft Management Plan and
the Final Management Plan.
5.0 OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
5.1 A desktop study to ascertain all existing information and the full background to this area of
research should be conducted. This should make reference, but not be limited, to the
following:
 Social and ecological study, Every River Project

 Southern African Red Data List (IUCN), Report No.14, 2002)
 Extensive fire study including effects and causes (2000 – 2003), SAFARI 2000 (Vol 1-3)
 SAFNET – Southern African Fire Network (www.safnet.net)
 Okavango Delta Management Plan, Project Proposal (April 2002)
 Vegetation Resources component Draft Inception Report for the Okavango Delta
Management Plan
 CITES checklist of endangered and threatened plant taxa (2003)
 Fire research documents from the Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre and
the University of Botswana and partners, including but not limited to the following:
 Heinl, M., Reconstructing the fire history of the Okavango Delta, Botswana
(southern part) 1989-2003. 2003, Vegetation Ecology, TU Muenchen,
heinl@wzw.tum.de
 Fire and its effects on vegetation in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
(www.weihenstephan.de/vegoek/forschun/feuchte/engheinl_DA.html)
 Fire Regime and vegetation response in African savannah ecosystems (Model
site: Okavango Delta, Botswana)
(www.wzw.tum.de/vegoek/personen/heinl/engindex.html)
 Other similar fire studies, either published or grey literature, from southern Africa,
especially Kruger National Park, RSA
 Herbage Preservation Act (1974)
5.2 Some fieldwork to collect and verify information may be required; if so, the consultant will
be expected to provide all their own fieldwork equipment and vehicles
53
5.3 These Terms of Reference, any proposed amendments and/or the consultants proposed
modus operandi may be discussed with the potential client prior to submission of the tender
and commencement of the study
5.4 The consultant should undertake consultation with other government institutions, especially
those directly involved in the delivery of other aspects of the ODMP, as well as NGOs etc.
The consultant should be aware that this contract is being delivered as just one small part of a
much larger, integrated and comprehensive management plan for the Okavango Delta and
should be prepared to work with this in mind.
6.0 QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE OF CONSULTANT
6.1 The consultant will require proven expertise in fire ecology, botany and taxonomy and
should have experience of work either directly in the Okavango Delta, Botswana or the
Southern African region. Experience of work with communities and other stakeholders,
knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and mapping,
experience in model development and an ability to deliver comprehensive on-the-job and
other training would be a distinct advantage.
6.2 The consultant must submit documents including a detailed resume showing capacity to
undertake the contract as well as their proposed methodology to deliver the contract
objectives.
7.0 FINANCIAL DETAILS
7.1 The consultant should include a full financial bid as part of their overall submission. This
should include:
a) Transport (mode and kilometres expected)

b) Accommodation (number of days expected)
c) Subsistence (number of days expected)
d) Printing and Documentation (based on the schedule of reports) and;
e) Any other costs (specify accordingly)
8.0 SCOPE OF THE PROPOSAL
7.1 Those tendering shall submit five sealed copies of two separate proposals covering Technical
and Financial Proposals.
7.2 The Technical Proposal should outline the following: -

54
 Proposed methodology, including a detailed plan for the delivery of training

 Details of relevant qualifications and experience of the consultant and any other staff
to be employed on each the subcomponent.
7.3 The Financial Proposals shall be based on personnel and time inputs for the subcomponent
delivery as detailed in the technical proposals, with a complete breakdown of time allocated
and rates charged for each personnel input.
8.0 CURRENT ON-GOING WORK
8.1 Those tendering shall disclose all current on-going similar or related work and anticipated
completion dates, for the client to assess the consultant’s capability of giving total
commitment and timely delivery of the contract, given the short time span and urgent need
for this work.
8.2 Failure to disclose this information shall result in disqualification of the tenderer.
9.0 PAYMENT
9.1 All payment in relation to this project shall be in Botswana Pula. Payment for staff input
and associated reimbursable costs will be made upon the receipt and subsequent Task Force
consideration and approval of the milestone reports as already outlined.
9.2 The proposed payment schedule is as follows:
a) 20% upon approval of the Inception Report

b) 30% upon completion of three months contract
c) 20% upon approval of the Draft Final Report and;
d) 30% upon approval of the Final Report
10.0 SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
10.1 Five copies of both the Technical and Financial Proposals shall be submitted to Agricultural
Resources Board Secretary in Maun. The proposals shall be submitted in separate, sealed
envelopes and clearly marked:
55
a) “ODMP Vegetation Resources Component. Fire contract – Technical Proposals” for
the Technical Proposals, and;
b) “ODMP Vegetation Resources Component. Fire contract – Financial Proposals” for

the Financial Proposals.

ODMP Fire Management Plan Inception Report 24th March 2006

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Dr W.S.W. Trollope – Project Leader

23rd March, 2006

2. OVERALL OBJECTIVE …………………………… 7

3. OVERALL GOALS …………………………… 7

4. OUTPUTS FROM THE PROJECT …………………………… 8

5. COMMENTS ON THE TERMS OF REFERENCE…………………………… 8

7. PROJECT ACTIVITIES …………………………… 9

8. PROJECT TEAM …………………………… 10

9. UNDERSTANDING OF THE REQUIRED STUDY………………………… 10

10. TECHNICAL DISCUSSION …………………………… 12

10.1 Collection, Assimilation, Analysis And Evaluation

10.1.1 Objective …………………………… 12

10.1.2 Approach & Methodology …………………………… 12

10.1.3 Timing & Personnel …………………………... 13

10.1.4 Anticipated Difficulties …………………………… 13

10.2 Assessment of Current Strategies to Control Fire

10.2.1 Objective …………………………… 14

10.2.2 Approach & Methodology …………………………… 14

10.2.3 Timing & Personnel …………………………… 14

10.2.4 Anticipated Difficulties …………………………… 14

10.3 Identification of Deficiencies in Current Knowledge

10.3.1 Objective …………………………… 15

10.3.2 Approach & Methodology …………………………… 15

10.3.3 Timing & Personnel ………………………..…. 15

10.3.4 Anticipated Difficulties ………………………..…. 15

10.4 Development of Initial Fire Management Strategy

10.4.1 Objective …………………………… 16

10.4.2 Approach & Methodology …………………………… 16

10.4.3 Timing & Personnel ……………………………. 16

10.4.4 Anticipated Difficulties ………………………….... 16

10.5 Fire Management Plan for the Okavango

10.5.1 Objective …………………………… 16

10.5.2 Approach & Methodology …………………………… 16

10.5.3 Timing & Personnel …………………………... 17

10.5.4 Anticipated Difficulties …………………………… 17

10.6 “On-the-Job” Training of Staff …………………………… 17

10.6.1 Objective …………………………… 17

10.6.2 Approach & Methodology …………………………… 17

10.6.3 Timing & Personnel …………………………… 17

10.6.4 Anticipated Difficulties …………………………… 17

10.7 Recommendations for Future Training and

10.7.1 Objective …………………………… 18

10.7.2 Approach & Methodology …………………………… 18

10.7.3 Timing & Personnel …………………………… 18

10.7.4 Anticipated Difficulties …………………………… 18

11 LIAISON & CONSULTATION ………………………….. 18

11.1 Department of Forestry & Range Resources ………………….. 18

11.2 Other Government Institutions ………………………….. 19

11.3 Other Okavango Delta Management Plan

11.4 Local Communities ………………………….. 19

11.5 Relevant NGO’s ………………………….. 20

12 PAST EXPERIENCE ………………………….. 20

13 MANAGEMENT, ORGANISATION &

14 TRAINING OF COUNTERPARTS ………………………….. 22

15 FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT ………………………….. 22

Figure 1. Key Activities that will be undertaken in the project ……………….. 9

Table 1. Members of the Project Team and their

Table 2. The timetable extending from

Appendix 1. Rangeland Burning Questionnaire for Communities –

Appendix 2. Curriculum Vitea – Mr Anthony Emery ………………………….. 40

Appendix 3. Terms of Reference ………………………… 42

The goals in implementing the overall objective will be to: