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Judith Phiri, Sunday News Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is set to headline Zimbabwe’s commemoration of World Wetlands Day at Kasibo Wetlands in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province on Thursday.
Commemorated today, World Wetlands Day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in Ramsar, Iran. Thus the treaty became commonly known as the Ramsar Convention.
This year’s commemorations are being held under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for a Common Future”, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action to safeguard these invaluable natural habitats.
In a World Wetlands Day Press statement, the Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Dr Sithembiso Nyoni called on Zimbabweans to come together and commemorate this year’s World Wetlands Day today.
“Join me and the rest of Zimbabwe as we commemorate this year’s World Wetlands Day on the 2nd of February (today). However, the national commemoration is going to be a belated one on the 6th of February 2025. The national venue will be at Kasibo Wetland in Hwange District, Matabeleland North. All the same, locally organised commemorations can still proceed on the 2nd of February (today),” she said.
She said the Convention on Wetlands, the only international treaty specifically dedicated to the wise use of wetlands with national action and international cooperation, has established a collaborative platform for its 173 contracting parties.
The Minister said Zimbabwe ratified the Convention on Wetlands in 2013, and has since designated seven wetlands as Ramsar Sites or wetlands of international importance.
“These sites include the iconic Victoria Falls, the ecologically rich Driefontein Grasslands, the diverse Middle Zambezi/Mana Pools, the vital Lake Chivero, the unique Monavale Vlei, the intriguing Chinhoyi Caves, and the significant Cleveland Dam covering a total 453.8 hectares,” she said.
“As a country, we are deeply committed to the conservation of our wetland ecosystems and recognise their crucial role in sustaining biodiversity and supporting local communities.”
She said it was their unwavering ambition to facilitate the designation of additional wetlands as Ramsar Sites, by doing so, they aim to enhance global awareness of these critical habitats and ensure their protection for future generations, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of Zimbabwe’s natural resources.
Dr Nyoni said this year’s theme emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in preserving wetlands not only for the current population but also for future generations.
“It is imperative that we recognise and act upon the vital role wetlands play in sustaining life and promoting environmental health, ensuring a shared future where both people and nature can flourish,” she added.
“Furthermore, the theme highlights the critical importance of wetlands in fostering sustainable development and addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss.”
The Minister said according to the Wetlands Masterplan of 2021, the total area covered by wetlands in Zimbabwe is approximately 13 659 579 hectares which is 34. 96 percent of the total area of Zimbabwe.
She said in relation to their state of health, the Masterplan states that 17.63 percent of the wetlands were in a pristine condition, 55.65 percent were moderately degraded and 26.72 percent were severely degraded.
“Encouragingly, 17.63 percent of Zimbabwe’s wetlands remain stable and pristine. Given this context, the conservation and wise utilisation of wetlands emerge as paramount.”
Dr Nyoni said this year’s campaign served as a rallying cry for global action, urging stakeholders to recognise and champion the protection of wetlands as a shared responsibility that benefits not only the environment but also humanity as a whole.
She said for Zimbabwe, this year’s World Wetlands Day holds particular significance, as it aligns with the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15).
“This pivotal gathering occurs every three years, bringing together representatives from the Governments of each Contracting Party to engage in vital discussions surrounding the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
“Zimbabwe will proudly serve as the host nation for COP15, which is scheduled to take place from July 23 to July 31, 2025, in the breathtaking setting of Victoria Falls. The significance of COP15 extends beyond mere dialogue; it represents a global platform for fostering international cooperation and innovation in wetland conservation,” she added.
Online Reporter