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Nine (9) University of Botswana (UB) Biological Sciences students recently participated in a seven-day Science Boot Camp hosted by the Nkashi Trust (formerly Botswana Wildbird Trust) in Maun. Held from 30 November to 6 December 2025 at the Nkashi Knowledge Centre near the UB Okavango Research Institute (ORI), the boot camp offered an intensive, hands-on immersion into conservation science, biodiversity monitoring and community-based environmental knowledge.

The cohort, accompanied by Senior Technician Kelemogile Mmolawa and led by Professor Maxwell Barson, comprised eight (8) third-year Biological Sciences Single Major students, one Double Major in Biological Sciences and Chemistry and a fourth-year Biology student from BIUST. Their specialisations in zoology, ecology and botany strongly aligned with the boot camp’s focus on equipping emerging scientists with practical field and analytical skills.

Throughout the programme, students engaged in a wide range of laboratory and field activities including water quality monitoring, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis for fish species identification, wetland biomonitoring using aquatic invertebrates and assessments of invasive plant species. They also took part in fish and parasite identification sessions, bioassessments of invertebrates in the Thamalakane River, transect surveys along the Boro and Thamalakane Rivers and field methods for capturing and monitoring fish and birds. Exposure to emerging conservation technologies such as wildlife camera traps, GPS tracking tools drones for ecological monitoring and real-time water-quality sensors, further enhanced their practical experience.

Cultural and community engagement formed an important part of the experience. Several activities were conducted by mokoro, guided by “Mr Waters,” an experienced poler and Okavango Delta native whose storytelling illuminated the deep relationship between local communities and the Delta’s resources. Such merging of scientific inquiry with Indigenous knowledge reflects the Nkashi Trust’s mission, supported by the National Geographic Society, to integrate ecological research with community-driven conservation and development.

In the days that followed, students continued with bird surveys at Samedupe Pan and selected sites within the Delta. They will analyse the data collected throughout the week to assess the ecological health of the region and propose sustainable biodiversity and conservation actions.

The University of Botswana extends its appreciation to the Nkashi Trust team - Dr Goabaone J. Ramtlapeng, Dr Rob Taylor, Mr Charles Mpofu, Mr Leo, Mr Waters and the mokoro polers, Karabo and the media team, Tsenang and all support staff as well as ORI technical team. The maiden boot camp is expected to be the foundation for a long-term partnership that will continue providing UB students with transformative, real-world scientific exposure while contributing to conservation and community wellbeing in the Okavango. The nine students are Baituti Dintle; Barson Lovejoy; Didimalang Pako; Gabaitire Dikabo; Kedisitswe Joyce; Mabophiwa Marang; Mathothoelo Kesego; Mosiiwa Kemisetso and Thoi Tswelelo.