ORI is a high-class research institute situated in Maun, the ideal base for access to northern Botswana’s unique and diverse protected areas. The network of national parks, game reserves and wildlife management areas constitute one of the last relatively unfragmented and pristine ecosystems in the world. Part of the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area (KAZA), northern Botswana is connected to protected areas in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. The abundant natural resources are an attractant for a human population with a rich cultural heritage. The combination of these natural and social resources allow for interdisciplinary research in an area of great natural beauty. With our close ties with the government of Botswana, which recognises the value of research, our research continuously influences policy.

Our team of researchers and technicians provide research supervision and mentorship for postgraduate students, and in situ advice and support for collaborators. We boast high levels of expertise in areas covering: 

• Ecosystem services 
• Ecosystem Dynamics
• Sustainable tourism
• Climate change
• Water resource management 

Browse our past and current research activities to obtain insight into our vision.