Zambezi River Basin

for many species. Wetlands are also used for

commercial fisheries, the most notable of which

are in Lake Malawi/Nyasa/Niassa, the Zambezi

delta/Sofala bank, Cahora Bassa, Itezhi-Tezhi,

Kafue and Lake Kariba. Fish contribute a

significant part of the daily diet of the people

who live near wetlands.

Wetlands also promote tourism activities

including photography, bird watching and

hunting (SADC and SARDC 2008).

The most important wetlands in the basin

are Barotse Floodplains in Zambia, the Chobe

Swamps in northeastern Namibia, the Linyanti

Swamp in Botswana, the Busanga Swamps on the

Lunga River, the Lukanga Swamps and the Kafue

Flats on the Luangwa River, and the Elephant

Marsh near the town of Chiromo in Malawi.

Wetlands are important habitats for fish,

animals and birds and provide vegetative cover

and suitable breeding and feeding grounds

Wetlands are important

habitats for many species,

including birds.

The Barotse Plains inWestern Province of Zambia is also known as the Bulozi Plain, Lyondo or the Zambezi

Floodplain. It is a designated Ramsar site, and is regarded as of high conservation value.