Online Reporter
Nomalisa Gumpo, [email protected]
THE Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo has launched a wetlands project display aimed at promoting awareness and education on wetland conservation ahead of the 15th International Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Officially opened on Saturday, the project forms part of the museum’s evolving outdoor exhibition space, which includes a butterfly garden and historical displays. It is designed to engage urban communities, particularly schoolchildren, in understanding the critical role wetlands play in water management and biodiversity conservation.
The launch was presided over by Matobo Conservation Society chairperson Mr Gavin Stephens and wetlands advocate Ms Peddy Pacey, both long-time environmental champions.
“It is my sincere hope that this site will develop and become an integral part of the studies of our children so that, despite being city-bound, they can learn and appreciate the unique balance that exists within nature,” said Mr Stephens.
The Ramsar Convention, named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where it was adopted in 1971, is the only global treaty dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
It currently has 172 Contracting Parties, including Zimbabwe, working together to protect wetlands which are increasingly under threat from development, agriculture and urban sprawl.
Mr Stephen said wetlands are the kidneys of the natural world.
“They filter, store and manage water. They protect against floods and serve as sources for almost all rivers. When we destroy wetlands, we destroy the rivers they give life to,” he said.
Mr Stephens noted that population growth and rapid urbanisation have led to the unsustainable exploitation of wetlands, particularly in urban areas.
Although Zimbabwe is a Ramsar signatory with seven officially recognised Ramsar sites, only Victoria Falls is located in the western region, a part of the country most vulnerable to drought and climate change.
“We must reach out to people in those areas and encourage them to manage and protect their wetlands because they are the ones who will suffer most when the rains fail and the wetlands are destroyed,” said Mr Stephens.
Highlighting success in community-led restoration efforts, Mr Stephens pointed to a wetlands restoration project in Matobo, which, with the support of Dambari Wildlife Trust and the local community, managed to sustain water flow throughout 2024 and saw the return of various species.
“I hope that this display will be a living memorial to our country’s hosting of the 15 International Convention on Wetlands, and that the event does not just pass as a talking shop, but that we will fully embrace and act upon the need to turn a page, and work to protect our heritage and recover our wetlands,” said Mr Stephens.
Ms Pacey, who proposed the idea of wetlands display to the museum, commended the museum for stepping out of its traditional role and becoming involved with the community.
“I am so thrilled to be a small part of everything that’s happening on this important site. It’s one of the most vital issues I have done in the museum,” she said.
