Harare, (New Ziana) – As Zimbabwe joined other nations in commemorating World Wetlands Day on Monday, the government said it is committed to restoring 250 000 hectares of degraded wetlands and to designate 5 new Ramsar Sites by 2030.
Themed: ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,’ the commemorations were held at Ditchwe Wetland, Nemakonde district in Mashonaland West province.
The Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Evelyn Ndlovu said achieving the commitments requires collective action from all sectors, hence the government established a strong and comprehensive policy framework to guide sustainable wetland management.
“This includes the Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27), the National Wetlands Policy, the Wetlands Masterplan, and detailed Management Guidelines that provide clear direction for all stakeholders, government, private sector, civil society, and communities.
“Under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), and through the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the government has supported 92 community-led wetland restoration projects, covering 31 082 hectares. These projects support livelihoods such as farming, fisheries, beekeeping, and water harvesting. This progress has been made possible through the guidance of our Traditional Leaders, whose custodianship remains indispensable,” she said.
Zimbabwe currently holds the Presidency of the Fifteenth Conference of Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Wetlands, a position assumed following the successful hosting of the global conference in Victoria Falls last year.
“This presidency places Zimbabwe at the forefront of international wetland conservation diplomacy and calls upon us to lead by example in implementing COP15 resolutions, particularly those that emphasize the integration of traditional knowledge into wetland governance,” Ndlovu said.
According to the Global Wetland Outlook 2025, at least 64 percent of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since 1900, and wetlands are being lost 3 times faster than forests. There are also mounting fears that if urgent action is not taken, up to 20 percent of the remaining wetlands may vanish by 2050.
“Zimbabwe is not immune to this crisis. Although wetlands cover a significant portion of our landscape, only 17.63 percent remain pristine, while 55.65 percent are moderately degraded and 26.72 percent severely degraded. The increasing flash floods in our urban areas, particularly in Harare and Chitungwiza, are a direct consequence of wetland loss.
“When wetlands are built upon or degraded, their natural ability to absorb excess water is lost, leaving communities vulnerable. I therefore urge all citizens to refrain from constructing on wetlands and to respect the ecological and legal protections that safeguard these vital ecosystems,” Ndlovu noted.
New Ziana
