News

As environmental challenges continue to intensify across the globe, the need for highly skilled professionals capable of managing natural resources sustainably has never been greater. In Botswana, the Okavango Research Institute (ORI) is playing a pivotal role in addressing this need through its graduate programmes which are equipping a new generation of scientists, researchers and practitioners with the knowledge and skills required to safeguard the country's natural heritage.

Located in Maun, at the doorstep of the world-renowned Okavango Delta, ORI provides an ideal learning environment where students engage directly with some of Africa’s most significant ecosystems. The institute's graduate programmes are uniquely designed to blend academic excellence with practical field-based learning, enabling students to address real-world environmental challenges.

Through its postgraduate degrees in Natural Resources Management and related disciplines, ORI focuses on developing expertise in areas such as biodiversity conservation, water resource management, climate change adaptation, ecosystem restoration, environmental monitoring and sustainable land use planning. These areas are increasingly important as Botswana seeks to balance economic development with environmental sustainability.

According to Dr Olga Kupika, Graduate Programme Coordinator also Senior Research Fellow at ORI, the Mphil and PhD programmes can be done in two modes, being part-time and full-time. Dr Kupika states that normally most of their students are sponsored by private companies and the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptative Land Management (SASSCAL) being a major funder for PhDs.

Dr Kupika, therefore, explains that students enrolled for studies at ORI get an array of funders both internally and externally. She notes that as per their enrolment metrics there is a fair gender balance. She further adds that just in 2025 they had a total of 43 enrolled students 22 pursuing Mphil while 21 were on PhDs.

Calling on prospective students, she reveals that applications are open throughout the year and thus encourages students to apply. Regarding graduation rate and accommodation, she indicates that full-time students are resident in campus and hinted at the possibility of increasing graduation output for this year.

One of the distinguishing features of ORI’s graduate programmes is their strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research. Students are encouraged to examine environmental issues from ecological, social, economic and policy perspectives. This holistic approach enables graduates to develop comprehensive solutions to complex resource management challenges that affect communities, governments and industries.

As a result, research conducted by graduate students has contributed significantly to the understanding and management of Botswana's natural resources. From investigating the impacts of climate variability on water systems to studying human-wildlife interactions and sustainable tourism practices, ORI students generate evidence-based knowledge that informs policy and management decisions at local, national and regional levels.

Further, the institute's state-of-the-art environmental laboratory strengthens graduate training by providing students with hands-on experience in scientific analysis. Through laboratory and fieldwork, students acquire practical skills in water quality assessment, soil analysis, ecological monitoring and environmental data interpretation. These competencies are highly valued by employers in government agencies, conservation organisations, research institutions and the private sector.

Furthermore, ORI also fosters collaboration with national and international partners, exposing students to global best practices in natural resource management. Such partnerships provide opportunities for joint research, knowledge exchange and participation in regional and international conservation initiatives. As a result, graduates emerge with both local expertise and a broader understanding of global environmental challenges.

Importantly, the institute's work extends beyond academia. Graduate students frequently engage with local communities, helping to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical resource management. By working alongside farmers, community trusts, conservation practitioners and policymakers, students contribute to sustainable development while gaining valuable professional experience.

As Botswana confronts growing environmental pressures, including climate change, biodiversity loss and increasing demand for natural resources, the contribution of ORI's graduate programmes have become even more significant. By producing highly trained professionals and generating impactful research, the institute is helping to build the capacity needed to manage natural resources responsibly and sustainably.

Through its commitment to research, innovation and community engagement, ORI continues to position itself as a centre of excellence in natural resource management education, ensuring that Botswana's environmental wealth is protected for future generations while supporting sustainable economic development today.