On the basis of eight years of interdisciplinary research in the Okavango Delta, we believe that sustainable development is an attainable goal, and that there need not be conflict between the development needs of the region and conservation of this unique system. It is essential, however, that water abstraction schemes take cognizance of the functioning of the ecosystem, so that its integrity is not disrupted. In this article we outline the important environmental criteria which we believe need to be considered in formulating development proposals for the region.