Botswana

Nkashi Trust (formerly the Botswana Wild Bird Trust) has been working in Botswana since 2016, with a focus on conserving the ecosystems, wildlife, and communities of the Okavango Delta—one of the world’s most important inland wetland systems.

As part of the Wild Bird Trust family, Nkashi Trust leads the local implementation of the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP), advancing research, conservation action, and sustainable development across the region. Our work brings together scientific research and Traditional Ecological Knowledge to better understand and protect the Delta’s freshwater systems, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

Our roots are in exploration. Early research expeditions were—and continue to be—guided by baYei polers using mekoro, navigating the Delta’s narrow waterways in a way that reflects both deep local knowledge and a commitment to low-impact travel. This approach continues to shape how we work: grounded in respect for the environment and in partnership with the people who call this landscape home.

Today, through our Nkashi Knowledge Centres in Maun and Beetsha, we support community-led conservation, youth engagement, and women’s empowerment—ensuring that conservation is not only about protecting nature, but also about strengthening livelihoods, cultural resilience, and local leadership.