Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE City of Victoria Falls is brimming with pride as it prepares to join the prestigious list of 31 Ramsar Wetland Cities worldwide, a testament to its unwavering commitment to conserving its vital wetland ecosystems.
Key stakeholders in the city held a preparatory meeting on Tuesday afternoon where the city’s efforts were amplified.
Victoria Falls City Public Relations Officer, Mr Leonard Ncube, detailed the steps taken to achieve this milestone and the ongoing initiatives to ensure sustainable wetland management.
Mr Ncube enlightened stakeholders on the city’s journey, emphasising the collaborative efforts between the local authority, communities, and environmental organisations.
“Our accreditation as a Ramsar Wetland City reflects years of dedication to preserving these critical ecosystems
“From enacting local regulations to protect wetlands to engaging communities in conservation programs, Victoria Falls has demonstrated that sustainable development and environmental protection go hand in hand,” he said.
The city’s approach has been multifaceted, combining policy enforcement with grassroots involvement.
Local regulations have been strengthened to prevent wetland degradation, while educational campaigns have raised awareness about the importance of these ecosystems.
“We have integrated wetland education into school curricula and partnered with organizations like the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Victoria Falls Pristine Society to empower our youth as future conservation leaders,” he said.
Community clean-up campaigns and strict anti-littering laws have further safeguarded the wetlands, ensuring they remain pristine for generations to come.
The timing of this accreditation is particularly significant as Victoria Falls prepares to host COP 15 next week, a global gathering focused on biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.
Wetlands, often referred to as the “kidneys of the earth,” play a crucial role in filtering pollutants, regulating climate, and supporting biodiversity.
Globally, wetlands have declined by 35 percent since 1970, a loss rate three times faster than that of forests.
This makes Victoria Falls’ achievement not just a local victory but a beacon of hope for global conservation efforts.
