Angola’s Lisima Lya Mwono Wetland Gains Ramsar Status, Safeguarding Okavango Delta’s Future
In a strategic move with far-reaching implications for regional tourism and conservation, Angola has officially designated Lisima Lya Mwono as its first Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. This milestone not only marks Angola’s debut on the Ramsar map but also serves as a critical upstream safeguard for the famed Okavango Delta, a cornerstone of Botswana’s tourism economy and a global biodiversity hotspot.
Recognized as Ramsar Site No. 2584, Lisima Lya Mwono spans an impressive 53,000 km² across Angola’s central and southeastern highlands, nestled within the Zambezi biogeographical region. The wetland’s vast expanse is far more than a geographical marvel; it is the primary watershed feeding two of southern Africa’s most vital river systems—the Okavango Delta and the Zambezi Floodplain. By designating this area for international protection, Angola is asserting the importance of upstream conservation in sustaining the region’s seasonal flood cycles, ecological richness, and, crucially, its tourism potential.
The intricate hydrology of Lisima Lya Mwono is anchored in its deep sandy soils, which act as natural filters, channeling rainfall into pure, low-mineral streams. These waters nourish expansive Miombo woodlands and rich peatlands, extending the ecological influence of the site to over 110,000 km². This complex ecosystem harbors a wealth of biodiversity. Visitors and conservationists alike may encounter species such as the endangered Genlisea angolensis, iconic predators like cheetah, lion, and African wild dog, as well as the critically endangered giant sable antelope, a symbol of Angola’s natural heritage.
For the Okavango Delta—a magnet for international tourists and a World Heritage site—Lisima Lya Mwono’s protection is a game-changer. The wetland’s pristine freshwater systems are home to over 18 endemic or near-endemic fish species and serve as a crucial spawning ground for the African tigerfish, a species beloved by ecotourists and anglers and vital to the Delta’s ecological balance. By maintaining the quality and flow of these upstream waters, Angola is directly contributing to the preservation of the Okavango’s seasonal floods, its spectacular wildlife, and, by extension, the livelihoods tied to its thriving tourism industry.
However, the new Ramsar status also brings challenges into sharper focus. Water abstraction and unregulated development remain persistent threats that could compromise the region’s delicate water systems and jeopardize the long-term health of both the source wetlands and the downstream Delta. The Ramsar designation provides a robust framework for international cooperation and sustainable management, but effective implementation will require ongoing vigilance from governments, local communities, and the tourism sector itself.
This development offers a timely reminder for Africa’s tourism professionals: the sustainability and appeal of iconic destinations like the Okavango Delta depend on the health of their upstream ecosystems. As the continent continues to invest in nature-based tourism, the spotlight is shifting toward cross-border conservation initiatives, responsible land use, and the integration of environmental stewardship into destination marketing and infrastructure planning.
Looking forward, the protection of Lisima Lya Mwono represents a blueprint for how upstream conservation can secure the future of downstream tourism assets. For operators, investors, and policymakers across sub-Saharan Africa, this is a call to align business growth with ecological resilience—ensuring that tourism continues to deliver value for generations to come by safeguarding the very landscapes that make Africa unique on the world stage.
