The Cubango-Okavango River basin remains one of the basins least affected by human impact on the African continent. In its present near-pristine status, the river provides significant ecosystem benefits and, if managed appropriately, can continue to do so. However, mounting socio-economic pressures on the basin in the riparian countries of Angola, Botswana and Namibia, could change its present character and there is therefore a critical need to establish sustainable management of its resources. The riparian countries recognize that economic and social development within the basin is essential and there is a need for it to be balanced against conservation of the natural environment and ecosystem services currently provided, requiring basin-wide understanding, agreement of the basin’s problems and issues, and a blueprint for a development pathway guided by an adaptive management process. The Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission is pleased to present its Cubango-Okavango River Basin Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis that provides the knowledge base for this blueprint. The printed copy of this report includes a DVD with the full text of all background studies.