University students tour Monavale wetland

ON A vibrant Friday, students from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) embarked on an enlightening educational tour of the Monavale Wetland, a protected Ramsar site.

Peter Tanyanyiwa Suburban Reporter

This visit underscored the critical importance of wetland conservation in Zimbabwe, especially ahead of the highly anticipated Ramsar Convention set for July 2025, which aims to spotlight global wetland protection initiatives.

Monavale Wetland stands as a beacon of community-driven environmental stewardship. Recognised as a Ramsar site, it symbolises the international commitment to preserving wetlands, which are vital for biodiversity, water purification, and climate regulation.

Leading the tour, Mr Jimmy Muropa, the conservation officer for Monavale Vlei, emphasised the significance of community involvement in wetland preservation.

“Wetlands are the lungs of our environment,” he said.  “Our efforts here at Monavale demonstrate what communities can achieve when they unite for a common cause. This site is not just a wetland; it’s a living classroom that teaches us about sustainability and ecological balance.”

Joining the students was Mr Ronald Chirimuta from the Marlborough Environmental Action Group (MEAG), an organisation dedicated to advocating for wetland conservation.

He highlighted the challenges facing wetland areas, particularly in urban settings.

“The encroachment of urban development poses a significant threat to wetlands like Monavale,” he warned. “We must continue to raise awareness and advocate for policies that protect these vital ecosystems. Our future depends on it.”

Zimbabwe is home to several Ramsar sites, each contributing to the country’s rich biodiversity and ecological heritage. The Ramsar Convention, an international treaty established in 1971, aims to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and ensure their conservation and sustainable use.

As the convention approaches, initiatives like the UZ students’ tour of Monavale Wetland are essential for fostering environmental education and advocacy. Such activities not only deepen students’ understanding of ecological issues but also empower them to become active participants in conservation efforts.

For the residents and nature enthusiasts of Monavale, the ongoing protection of their wetland is a worthy cause, setting a precedent for other communities to emulate. As the world prepares for the Ramsar Convention in 2025, Zimbabwe’s commitment to wetland conservation will undoubtedly be in the spotlight, with Monavale Wetland serving as a shining example of what can be achieved through community action and international cooperation.