Stakeholders convene to bolster wetland conservation ahead of COP15

Peter Tanyanyiwa Suburban Reporter

IN A concerted effort to fortify wetland conservation, key stakeholders gathered at Lake Chivero on Tuesday this week to strategise the preservation of these crucial ecosystems.

The workshop drew representatives from leading environmental bodies including the Harare Wetlands Trust, BirdLife Zimbabwe, the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change Zimbabwe (AYICCZim), the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority as well as the City of Harare.

This collaborative effort comes as Zimbabwe prepares to host the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in July 2025.

BirdLife Zimbabwe chief executive officer Ms Julia Pierini highlighted the significance of Zimbabwe hosting the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands conference.

“Hosting COP15 is a pivotal opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase its commitment to wetland conservation. With seven Ramsar sites already designated, our focus is on nominating additional sites of international importance. As climate change intensifies, our wetlands are drying up, making their protection more critical than ever. Together with various stakeholders, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable wetland management,” she said.

City of Harare principal town planner Mrs Wadzanai Vhutuza said wetlands are important and the city continues to take that into account in its planning.

“Wetlands are vital for recharging our groundwater reserves. In Harare, we have prioritised the preservation of these areas in our master plans, marking them as open spaces. We recognise their significance as aquifers and have been diligent in maintaining them as part of our city’s water source,” she said.

Mrs Vhutuza’s assertion is despite the fact that the City of Harare has been allocating housing and commercial stands on wetlands with senior management and councillors accused of being involved in the corrupt parceling of the land.

Youth leader Jean-Bertrand Mhandu, representing the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change in Zimbabwe, stressed the need for awareness and education.

“Wetlands are integral to our ecosystem, providing fresh air and regulating water distribution. The Ramsar Convention offers a platform for global recognition and collaboration, ensuring that we equip communities with the knowledge to protect these natural resources,” he said.

Kuimba Shiri Bird Sanctuary founder Mr Gary Stafford and vice chair of the Lake Users Association, noted the local commitment to environmental stewardship.

“Here at Lake Chivero, we are dedicated to enhancing the environment for both wildlife and the public. With the upcoming Ramsar Convention, we have a chance to demonstrate our efforts to the world and show that we are serious about environmental conservation,” he said.

As Zimbabwe gears up for COP15, the collaborative efforts at Lake Chivero signify a national commitment to preserving its wetlands, safeguarding biodiversity, and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

Also known as Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, COP15 sets clear targets to address overexploitation, pollution, fragmentation and unsustainable agricultural practices.

It also sets out the crafting of a plan that safeguards the rights of indigenous peoples and recognises their contributions as stewards of nature.