DELTA Act

Bill: 115-hr-4819
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Fortenberry, Jeff [R-NE-1]
Introduced: 2018-01-18
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Africa

Angola

Animal protection and human-animal relationships

Botswana

Congressional oversight

Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation

Economic development

Endangered and threatened species

Foreign aid and international relief

Hunting and fishing

International organizations and cooperation

Lakes and rivers

Land use and conservation

Mammals

Namibia

Parks, recreation areas, trails

Performance measurement

Public-private cooperation

Smuggling and trafficking

Wildlife conservation and habitat protection
Latest action: action_date: 2018-12-21
text: Became Public Law No: 115-353.

Summaries:
action_date: 2018-01-18
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals Act or the DELTA Act</b></p> <p>This bill directs the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to work with Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, and in partnership with donors, the private sector, and local, regional, and nongovernmental entities, to develop a strategy to: (1) promote sustainable natural resource and wildlife management practices in the greater Okavango River Basin, (2) protect migration routes of elephants and other threatened wildlife species, (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking, (4) address local health needs, and (5) catalyze economic growth.</p>

action_date: 2018-12-21
action_desc: Public Law
text: <p><b>Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals Act or the DELTA Act</b></p> <p>This bill directs the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to work with Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and neighboring countries to develop a strategy to: (1) promote responsible natural resource and wildlife management practices in the greater Okavango River Basin, (2) protect migration routes of elephants and other threatened wildlife species, (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking, (4) address local health needs, and (5) catalyze economic growth. The strategy shall also involve partnerships with donors, the private sector, and local, regional, and nongovernmental entities.</p>

tv_txt: I 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4819 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 18, 2018 Mr. Fortenberry (for himself, Mr. Royce of California , Ms. McCollum , Mr. Cuellar , Mr. Engel , Ms. Ros-Lehtinen , Ms. Kelly of Illinois , Mrs. Lawrence , and Ms. Bass ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs A BILL To promote inclusive economic growth through conservation and biodiversity programs that facilitate transboundary cooperation, improve natural resource management, and build local capacity to protect and preserve threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin of southern Africa.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals Act or the DELTA Act . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The greater Okavango River Basin, which ranges from the highland plateau of northern Angola to northeastern Namibia and northern Botswana, is the largest freshwater wetland in southern Africa. (2) The greater Okavango River Basin is the main source of water and livelihoods for over a million people, and the effective management and protection of this critical watershed will help advance important conservation and economic growth objectives for such countries, local communities, and the broader region. (3) The greater Okavango River Basin is home to the largest remaining elephant population in the world, as well as other threatened wildlife species. (4) Poaching and trafficking of threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin has increased in recent years, and has the potential to undermine regional stability by disrupting local governance and management of resources, and supplanting key economic opportunities for community members. 3. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that it is in the strategic interest of the United States to engage with the Governments of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, along with donors, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector, to advance conservation efforts and promote economic growth and stability in the greater Okavango River Basin. 4. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States to promote inclusive economic growth through conservation and biodiversity programs that facilitate transboundary cooperation, improve natural resource management, and build local capacity to protect and preserve threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin. 5. Strategy (a) In general The Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, shall seek to work with the Governments of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, and in partnership with donors, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector, to develop a strategy to— (1) create and advance a cooperative framework to promote sustainable natural resource and wildlife management practices in the greater Okavango River Basin; (2) protect traditional migration routes of elephants and other threatened wildlife species; (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking; (4) address human health and development needs of local communities; and (5) catalyze economic growth in such countries and across the broader region. (b) Elements The strategy established pursuant to subsection (a) shall include a description of efforts to— (1) promote cooperative and sustainable natural resource and wildlife management policies and practices within and among the countries of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, with a particular focus on the greater Okavango River Basin; (2) protect and restore wildlife habitats and traditional migratory patterns of elephants and other threatened species; (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking in Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, including within regional and national parks and reserves, by building the capacity of the governments of such countries, local law enforcement, community leaders, and park rangers to detect, disrupt, and prosecute poachers and traffickers; (4) promote conservation as a foundation for inclusive economic growth and development within a comprehensive assistance strategy that places Angola, Botswana, and Namibia on a trajectory toward graduation from the need for foreign assistance; (5) identify opportunities and mechanisms to leverage public-private partnerships to contribute to support the implementation of this strategy; and (6) establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, to include measurable goals, objectives, and benchmarks of success, that are included in grants, contracts, cooperative agreements to ensure the effective use of United States foreign assistance. 6. United States support for responsible natural resource management and elephant conservation (a) In general The Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, are authorized to prioritize and advance ongoing efforts to— (1) promote inclusive economic growth through responsible natural resource management and wildlife protection activities in the greater Okavango River Basin; (2) provide technical assistance to governments and local communities in Angola, Botswana, and Namibia to create a policy-enabling environment for such natural resource management and wildlife protection activities; and (3) build the capacity of local law enforcement, park rangers, and community leaders to combat wildlife poaching and trafficking. (b) Coordination with private sector The Secretary, the Administrator, and other relevant Federal agencies are authorized to work with the private sector and nongovernmental organizations to leverage public and private capital to promote sustainable resource management, combat wildlife poaching and trafficking, and support inclusive economic growth and local livelihoods in the greater Okavango River Basin. (c) Monitoring and Evaluation The Secretary and the Administrator shall establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, to include measurable goals, objectives, and benchmarks, to ensure the effective use of United States foreign assistance to achieve the objectives of this Act. 7. Report (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the implementation of this Act. (b) Matters To be included The report required under subsection (a) shall include a description of the strategy required by section 5, including— (1) the monitoring and evaluation plans and indicators used to measure performance under the strategy; (2) any legislative impediments to meeting the objectives of such strategy; (3) the extent to which Angola, Botswana, and Namibia have demonstrated a commitment and willingness to cooperate to advance efforts described in section 5(b); and (4) progress made to date in meeting the objectives of such strategy. (c) Definition In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.

tv_txt: I 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4819 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To promote inclusive economic growth through conservation and biodiversity programs that facilitate transboundary cooperation, improve natural resource management, and build local capacity to protect and preserve threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin of southern Africa.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals Act or the DELTA Act . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The greater Okavango River Basin, which ranges from the highland plateau of Angola to northeastern Namibia and northern Botswana, and also provides critical natural resources that sustain wildlife in Zambia and Zimbabwe, is the largest freshwater watershed in southern Africa. (2) The greater Okavango River Basin is the main source of water and livelihoods for over 1 million people, and the effective management and protection of this critical watershed will help advance important conservation and economic growth objectives for Angola, Botswana, Namibia, local communities, and the broader region. (3) The greater Okavango River Basin is home to the largest remaining elephant population in the world, as well as other threatened wildlife species. (4) Poaching and trafficking of threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin has increased in recent years, and has the potential to undermine regional stability by disrupting local governance and management of resources, and supplanting key economic opportunities for community members. (5) Governments in the region have taken important steps to coordinate through existing conservation frameworks to combat trafficking, ensure responsible resource management, support local livelihoods, and protect threatened wildlife species. 3. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that it is in the interest of the United States to engage, as appropriate, with the Governments of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and neighboring countries, and in partnership with donors, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector, to advance conservation efforts and promote economic growth and stability in the greater Okavango River Basin and neighboring watersheds and conservation areas. 4. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States to promote inclusive economic growth through conservation and biodiversity programs that facilitate transboundary cooperation, improve water and natural resource management, and build local capacity to protect and preserve threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin and neighboring watersheds and conservation areas. 5. Strategy (a) In general The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall seek, as appropriate, to work with the Governments of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and neighboring countries, and in partnership with donors, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector, to develop a strategy to— (1) create and advance a cooperative framework to promote responsible natural resource, water, and wildlife management practices in the greater Okavango River Basin; (2) protect traditional migration routes of elephants and other threatened wildlife species; (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking; (4) address human health and development needs of local communities; and (5) catalyze economic growth in such countries and across the broader region. (b) Elements The strategy established pursuant to subsection (a) shall— (1) promote cooperative and responsible water, natural resource, and wildlife management policies and practices within and among the countries of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, with a particular focus on the greater Okavango River Basin and the critical headwaters located in Angola; (2) protect and restore wildlife habitats and traditional migratory patterns of elephants and other threatened species; (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and those areas of Zambia and Zimbabwe that border Angola, Botswana, or Namibia, including within regional and national parks and reserves, by building the capacity of the governments of such countries, local law enforcement, community leaders, and park rangers to detect, disrupt, and prosecute poachers and traffickers; (4) promote conservation as a foundation for inclusive economic growth and development within a comprehensive assistance strategy that places Angola, Botswana, and Namibia on a trajectory toward graduation from the need for United States foreign assistance; (5) identify opportunities and mechanisms to leverage regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and public-private partnerships to contribute to support the implementation of the strategy; (6) establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including measurable goals, objectives, and benchmarks of success, that are included in grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to ensure the effective use of United States foreign assistance; and (7) coordinate with and build the capacity of regional conservation frameworks in order to advance regional conservation objectives. 6. United States support (a) In general The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, are authorized to prioritize and advance ongoing efforts to— (1) promote inclusive economic growth and development through responsible water and natural resource management and wildlife protection activities in the greater Okavango River Basin; (2) provide technical assistance to governments and local communities in Angola, Botswana, and Namibia to create a policy-enabling environment for such responsible water and natural resource management and wildlife protection activities; and (3) build the capacity of local law enforcement, park rangers, and community leaders to combat wildlife poaching and trafficking. (b) Coordination and integration with regional conservation frameworks The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall coordinate assistance provided by Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, and such other relevant Federal agencies with existing regional conservation frameworks in order to ensure regional integration of conservation, wildlife trafficking, and water management initiatives, to prevent duplication of efforts, and to advance regional conservation objectives. (c) Coordination with private sector The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, are authorized to work with the private sector and nongovernmental organizations to leverage public and private capital to promote responsible resource management, combat wildlife poaching and trafficking, and support inclusive economic growth and local livelihoods in the greater Okavango River Basin. (d) Monitoring and Evaluation The Secretary and the Administrator shall establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, to include measurable goals, objectives, and benchmarks, to ensure the effective use of United States foreign assistance to achieve the objectives of this section. 7. Report (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the implementation of this Act. (b) Matters To be included The report required under subsection (a) shall include a description of the strategy required by section 5, including— (1) the monitoring and evaluation plans and indicators used to measure performance under the strategy; (2) any legislative impediments to meeting the objectives of such strategy; (3) the extent to which Angola, Botswana, and Namibia have demonstrated a commitment and willingness to cooperate to advance efforts described in section 5(b); (4) progress made to date in meeting the objectives of such strategy; (5) efforts to coordinate, deconflict, and streamline conservation programs in order to maximize resource effectiveness; (6) the extent to which Angola, Botswana, and Namibia and other government in the region are investing resources to advance conservation initiatives; and (7) the extent to which other funding sources, including through private sector investment and other investment by Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, have been identified to advance conservation initiatives. 8. Definitions In this Act: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. (2) Appropriate congressional committees The term appropriate congressional committees means— (A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of State.

Passed the House of Representatives July 17, 2018. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.

tv_txt: IIB 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4819 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 18, 2018 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations AN ACT To promote inclusive economic growth through conservation and biodiversity programs that facilitate transboundary cooperation, improve natural resource management, and build local capacity to protect and preserve threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin of southern Africa.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals Act or the DELTA Act . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The greater Okavango River Basin, which ranges from the highland plateau of Angola to northeastern Namibia and northern Botswana, and also provides critical natural resources that sustain wildlife in Zambia and Zimbabwe, is the largest freshwater watershed in southern Africa. (2) The greater Okavango River Basin is the main source of water and livelihoods for over 1 million people, and the effective management and protection of this critical watershed will help advance important conservation and economic growth objectives for Angola, Botswana, Namibia, local communities, and the broader region. (3) The greater Okavango River Basin is home to the largest remaining elephant population in the world, as well as other threatened wildlife species. (4) Poaching and trafficking of threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin has increased in recent years, and has the potential to undermine regional stability by disrupting local governance and management of resources, and supplanting key economic opportunities for community members. (5) Governments in the region have taken important steps to coordinate through existing conservation frameworks to combat trafficking, ensure responsible resource management, support local livelihoods, and protect threatened wildlife species. 3. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that it is in the interest of the United States to engage, as appropriate, with the Governments of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and neighboring countries, and in partnership with donors, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector, to advance conservation efforts and promote economic growth and stability in the greater Okavango River Basin and neighboring watersheds and conservation areas. 4. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States to promote inclusive economic growth through conservation and biodiversity programs that facilitate transboundary cooperation, improve water and natural resource management, and build local capacity to protect and preserve threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin and neighboring watersheds and conservation areas. 5. Strategy (a) In general The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall seek, as appropriate, to work with the Governments of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and neighboring countries, and in partnership with donors, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector, to develop a strategy to— (1) create and advance a cooperative framework to promote responsible natural resource, water, and wildlife management practices in the greater Okavango River Basin; (2) protect traditional migration routes of elephants and other threatened wildlife species; (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking; (4) address human health and development needs of local communities; and (5) catalyze economic growth in such countries and across the broader region. (b) Elements The strategy established pursuant to subsection (a) shall— (1) promote cooperative and responsible water, natural resource, and wildlife management policies and practices within and among the countries of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, with a particular focus on the greater Okavango River Basin and the critical headwaters located in Angola; (2) protect and restore wildlife habitats and traditional migratory patterns of elephants and other threatened species; (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and those areas of Zambia and Zimbabwe that border Angola, Botswana, or Namibia, including within regional and national parks and reserves, by building the capacity of the governments of such countries, local law enforcement, community leaders, and park rangers to detect, disrupt, and prosecute poachers and traffickers; (4) promote conservation as a foundation for inclusive economic growth and development within a comprehensive assistance strategy that places Angola, Botswana, and Namibia on a trajectory toward graduation from the need for United States foreign assistance; (5) identify opportunities and mechanisms to leverage regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and public-private partnerships to contribute to support the implementation of the strategy; (6) establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including measurable goals, objectives, and benchmarks of success, that are included in grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to ensure the effective use of United States foreign assistance; and (7) coordinate with and build the capacity of regional conservation frameworks in order to advance regional conservation objectives. 6. United States support (a) In general The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, are authorized to prioritize and advance ongoing efforts to— (1) promote inclusive economic growth and development through responsible water and natural resource management and wildlife protection activities in the greater Okavango River Basin; (2) provide technical assistance to governments and local communities in Angola, Botswana, and Namibia to create a policy-enabling environment for such responsible water and natural resource management and wildlife protection activities; and (3) build the capacity of local law enforcement, park rangers, and community leaders to combat wildlife poaching and trafficking. (b) Coordination and integration with regional conservation frameworks The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall coordinate assistance provided by Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, and such other relevant Federal agencies with existing regional conservation frameworks in order to ensure regional integration of conservation, wildlife trafficking, and water management initiatives, to prevent duplication of efforts, and to advance regional conservation objectives. (c) Coordination with private sector The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, are authorized to work with the private sector and nongovernmental organizations to leverage public and private capital to promote responsible resource management, combat wildlife poaching and trafficking, and support inclusive economic growth and local livelihoods in the greater Okavango River Basin. (d) Monitoring and Evaluation The Secretary and the Administrator shall establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, to include measurable goals, objectives, and benchmarks, to ensure the effective use of United States foreign assistance to achieve the objectives of this section. 7. Report (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the implementation of this Act. (b) Matters To be included The report required under subsection (a) shall include a description of the strategy required by section 5, including— (1) the monitoring and evaluation plans and indicators used to measure performance under the strategy; (2) any legislative impediments to meeting the objectives of such strategy; (3) the extent to which Angola, Botswana, and Namibia have demonstrated a commitment and willingness to cooperate to advance efforts described in section 5(b); (4) progress made to date in meeting the objectives of such strategy; (5) efforts to coordinate, deconflict, and streamline conservation programs in order to maximize resource effectiveness; (6) the extent to which Angola, Botswana, and Namibia and other government in the region are investing resources to advance conservation initiatives; and (7) the extent to which other funding sources, including through private sector investment and other investment by Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, have been identified to advance conservation initiatives. 8. Definitions In this Act: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. (2) Appropriate congressional committees The term appropriate congressional committees means— (A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of State.

Passed the House of Representatives July 17, 2018. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.

tv_txt: II Calendar No. 704 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4819 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 18, 2018 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations November 29, 2018 Reported by Mr. Corker , without amendment AN ACT To promote inclusive economic growth through conservation and biodiversity programs that facilitate transboundary cooperation, improve natural resource management, and build local capacity to protect and preserve threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin of southern Africa.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals Act or the DELTA Act . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The greater Okavango River Basin, which ranges from the highland plateau of Angola to northeastern Namibia and northern Botswana, and also provides critical natural resources that sustain wildlife in Zambia and Zimbabwe, is the largest freshwater watershed in southern Africa. (2) The greater Okavango River Basin is the main source of water and livelihoods for over 1 million people, and the effective management and protection of this critical watershed will help advance important conservation and economic growth objectives for Angola, Botswana, Namibia, local communities, and the broader region. (3) The greater Okavango River Basin is home to the largest remaining elephant population in the world, as well as other threatened wildlife species. (4) Poaching and trafficking of threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin has increased in recent years, and has the potential to undermine regional stability by disrupting local governance and management of resources, and supplanting key economic opportunities for community members. (5) Governments in the region have taken important steps to coordinate through existing conservation frameworks to combat trafficking, ensure responsible resource management, support local livelihoods, and protect threatened wildlife species. 3. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that it is in the interest of the United States to engage, as appropriate, with the Governments of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and neighboring countries, and in partnership with donors, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector, to advance conservation efforts and promote economic growth and stability in the greater Okavango River Basin and neighboring watersheds and conservation areas. 4. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States to promote inclusive economic growth through conservation and biodiversity programs that facilitate transboundary cooperation, improve water and natural resource management, and build local capacity to protect and preserve threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin and neighboring watersheds and conservation areas. 5. Strategy (a) In general The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall seek, as appropriate, to work with the Governments of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and neighboring countries, and in partnership with donors, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector, to develop a strategy to— (1) create and advance a cooperative framework to promote responsible natural resource, water, and wildlife management practices in the greater Okavango River Basin; (2) protect traditional migration routes of elephants and other threatened wildlife species; (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking; (4) address human health and development needs of local communities; and (5) catalyze economic growth in such countries and across the broader region. (b) Elements The strategy established pursuant to subsection (a) shall— (1) promote cooperative and responsible water, natural resource, and wildlife management policies and practices within and among the countries of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, with a particular focus on the greater Okavango River Basin and the critical headwaters located in Angola; (2) protect and restore wildlife habitats and traditional migratory patterns of elephants and other threatened species; (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and those areas of Zambia and Zimbabwe that border Angola, Botswana, or Namibia, including within regional and national parks and reserves, by building the capacity of the governments of such countries, local law enforcement, community leaders, and park rangers to detect, disrupt, and prosecute poachers and traffickers; (4) promote conservation as a foundation for inclusive economic growth and development within a comprehensive assistance strategy that places Angola, Botswana, and Namibia on a trajectory toward graduation from the need for United States foreign assistance; (5) identify opportunities and mechanisms to leverage regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and public-private partnerships to contribute to support the implementation of the strategy; (6) establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including measurable goals, objectives, and benchmarks of success, that are included in grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to ensure the effective use of United States foreign assistance; and (7) coordinate with and build the capacity of regional conservation frameworks in order to advance regional conservation objectives. 6. United States support (a) In general The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, are authorized to prioritize and advance ongoing efforts to— (1) promote inclusive economic growth and development through responsible water and natural resource management and wildlife protection activities in the greater Okavango River Basin; (2) provide technical assistance to governments and local communities in Angola, Botswana, and Namibia to create a policy-enabling environment for such responsible water and natural resource management and wildlife protection activities; and (3) build the capacity of local law enforcement, park rangers, and community leaders to combat wildlife poaching and trafficking. (b) Coordination and integration with regional conservation frameworks The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall coordinate assistance provided by Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, and such other relevant Federal agencies with existing regional conservation frameworks in order to ensure regional integration of conservation, wildlife trafficking, and water management initiatives, to prevent duplication of efforts, and to advance regional conservation objectives. (c) Coordination with private sector The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, are authorized to work with the private sector and nongovernmental organizations to leverage public and private capital to promote responsible resource management, combat wildlife poaching and trafficking, and support inclusive economic growth and local livelihoods in the greater Okavango River Basin. (d) Monitoring and Evaluation The Secretary and the Administrator shall establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, to include measurable goals, objectives, and benchmarks, to ensure the effective use of United States foreign assistance to achieve the objectives of this section. 7. Report (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the implementation of this Act. (b) Matters To be included The report required under subsection (a) shall include a description of the strategy required by section 5, including— (1) the monitoring and evaluation plans and indicators used to measure performance under the strategy; (2) any legislative impediments to meeting the objectives of such strategy; (3) the extent to which Angola, Botswana, and Namibia have demonstrated a commitment and willingness to cooperate to advance efforts described in section 5(b); (4) progress made to date in meeting the objectives of such strategy; (5) efforts to coordinate, deconflict, and streamline conservation programs in order to maximize resource effectiveness; (6) the extent to which Angola, Botswana, and Namibia and other government in the region are investing resources to advance conservation initiatives; and (7) the extent to which other funding sources, including through private sector investment and other investment by Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, have been identified to advance conservation initiatives. 8. Definitions In this Act: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. (2) Appropriate congressional committees The term appropriate congressional committees means— (A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of State.

November 29, 2018 Reported without amendment

tv_txt: I One Hundred Fifteenth Congress of the United States of America At the Second Session Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday, the third day of January, two thousand and eighteen H. R. 4819 AN ACT To promote inclusive economic growth through conservation and biodiversity programs that facilitate transboundary cooperation, improve natural resource management, and build local capacity to protect and preserve threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin of southern Africa.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals Act or the DELTA Act . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The greater Okavango River Basin, which ranges from the highland plateau of Angola to northeastern Namibia and northern Botswana, and also provides critical natural resources that sustain wildlife in Zambia and Zimbabwe, is the largest freshwater watershed in southern Africa. (2) The greater Okavango River Basin is the main source of water and livelihoods for over 1 million people, and the effective management and protection of this critical watershed will help advance important conservation and economic growth objectives for Angola, Botswana, Namibia, local communities, and the broader region. (3) The greater Okavango River Basin is home to the largest remaining elephant population in the world, as well as other threatened wildlife species. (4) Poaching and trafficking of threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin has increased in recent years, and has the potential to undermine regional stability by disrupting local governance and management of resources, and supplanting key economic opportunities for community members. (5) Governments in the region have taken important steps to coordinate through existing conservation frameworks to combat trafficking, ensure responsible resource management, support local livelihoods, and protect threatened wildlife species. 3. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that it is in the interest of the United States to engage, as appropriate, with the Governments of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and neighboring countries, and in partnership with donors, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector, to advance conservation efforts and promote economic growth and stability in the greater Okavango River Basin and neighboring watersheds and conservation areas. 4. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States to promote inclusive economic growth through conservation and biodiversity programs that facilitate transboundary cooperation, improve water and natural resource management, and build local capacity to protect and preserve threatened wildlife species in the greater Okavango River Basin and neighboring watersheds and conservation areas. 5. Strategy (a) In general The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall seek, as appropriate, to work with the Governments of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and neighboring countries, and in partnership with donors, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector, to develop a strategy to— (1) create and advance a cooperative framework to promote responsible natural resource, water, and wildlife management practices in the greater Okavango River Basin; (2) protect traditional migration routes of elephants and other threatened wildlife species; (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking; (4) address human health and development needs of local communities; and (5) catalyze economic growth in such countries and across the broader region. (b) Elements The strategy established pursuant to subsection (a) shall— (1) promote cooperative and responsible water, natural resource, and wildlife management policies and practices within and among the countries of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, with a particular focus on the greater Okavango River Basin and the critical headwaters located in Angola; (2) protect and restore wildlife habitats and traditional migratory patterns of elephants and other threatened species; (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and those areas of Zambia and Zimbabwe that border Angola, Botswana, or Namibia, including within regional and national parks and reserves, by building the capacity of the governments of such countries, local law enforcement, community leaders, and park rangers to detect, disrupt, and prosecute poachers and traffickers; (4) promote conservation as a foundation for inclusive economic growth and development within a comprehensive assistance strategy that places Angola, Botswana, and Namibia on a trajectory toward graduation from the need for United States foreign assistance; (5) identify opportunities and mechanisms to leverage regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and public-private partnerships to contribute to support the implementation of the strategy; (6) establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including measurable goals, objectives, and benchmarks of success, that are included in grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to ensure the effective use of United States foreign assistance; and (7) coordinate with and build the capacity of regional conservation frameworks in order to advance regional conservation objectives. 6. United States support (a) In general The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, are authorized to prioritize and advance ongoing efforts to— (1) promote inclusive economic growth and development through responsible water and natural resource management and wildlife protection activities in the greater Okavango River Basin; (2) provide technical assistance to governments and local communities in Angola, Botswana, and Namibia to create a policy-enabling environment for such responsible water and natural resource management and wildlife protection activities; and (3) build the capacity of local law enforcement, park rangers, and community leaders to combat wildlife poaching and trafficking. (b) Coordination and integration with regional conservation frameworks The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall coordinate assistance provided by Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, and such other relevant Federal agencies with existing regional conservation frameworks in order to ensure regional integration of conservation, wildlife trafficking, and water management initiatives, to prevent duplication of efforts, and to advance regional conservation objectives. (c) Coordination with private sector The Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, are authorized to work with the private sector and nongovernmental organizations to leverage public and private capital to promote responsible resource management, combat wildlife poaching and trafficking, and support inclusive economic growth and local livelihoods in the greater Okavango River Basin. (d) Monitoring and Evaluation The Secretary and the Administrator shall establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, to include measurable goals, objectives, and benchmarks, to ensure the effective use of United States foreign assistance to achieve the objectives of this section. 7. Report (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the implementation of this Act. (b) Matters To be included The report required under subsection (a) shall include a description of the strategy required by section 5, including— (1) the monitoring and evaluation plans and indicators used to measure performance under the strategy; (2) any legislative impediments to meeting the objectives of such strategy; (3) the extent to which Angola, Botswana, and Namibia have demonstrated a commitment and willingness to cooperate to advance efforts described in section 5(b); (4) progress made to date in meeting the objectives of such strategy; (5) efforts to coordinate, deconflict, and streamline conservation programs in order to maximize resource effectiveness; (6) the extent to which Angola, Botswana, and Namibia and other government in the region are investing resources to advance conservation initiatives; and (7) the extent to which other funding sources, including through private sector investment and other investment by Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, have been identified to advance conservation initiatives. 8. Definitions In this Act: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. (2) Appropriate congressional committees The term appropriate congressional committees means— (A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of State.

Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.