OKACOM recognizes the value of strengthening local government, civil society and community participation, and supporting a collaborative approach to the management of the Okavango River Basin.  OKACOM works through various institutions and projects operating in the basin to achieve this objective. Local residents are key stakeholders of the River Basin, as both users and managers of its resources.  By strengthening local participation and linking governance systems into river basin management, OKACOM will better represent the perspectives and needs of stakeholder communities.  Such strengthening will also help to ensure that the governance of resources resides in local hands.  

To support OKACOM, IRBM through Component 3 will develop and demonstrate an integrated local government, civil society, and community-based program for improved environmental management and governance. In response to priorities identified and suggestions made by Okavango River Basin stakeholders, project activities focus primarily on the Angolan portion of the Okavango River Basin (ORB), where the Okavango River headwaters lie.   

• Develop and demonstrate a collaborative and integrated local government, civil society, and community approach for improved environmental management and governance. 
• Strengthen local government, civil society and community institutions  for planning and implementation of  environmentally sound community-based natural resource management projects in support of OKACOM
• Improve the understanding and appreciation of local, national and regional obligations and responsibilities in the utilization and conservation of the Okavango River basin by communities , government and civil society
• Enhance community participation in management and local governance of natural resources along the Okavango River Basin

IRBM, in partnership with the Association of Environmental Conservation and Integrated Rural Development (ACADIR) and World Vision International, is piloting this integrated governance approach for environmental management in Kuando Kubango Province of Angola.  Collaborative arrangements between local government agencies, such as the Provincial Water Department and communities will result in rehabilitated and maintained water systems, sustainable community tourism operations, environmentally viable and renewable fuelwood practices, and improved environmental awareness in four communities within Menongue Municipality.