Providence Moyo
VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE—As Zimbabwe prepares to host the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in July, youth activists are demanding concrete action to reverse the degradation of the nation’s critical wetlands.
In exclusive interviews with Matebeleland Pulse, advocates emphasized that current conservation efforts fall short of Zimbabwe’s obligations under the international treaty it joined in 2013.
Nokukhanya Ndlovu, a youth climate ambassador, stressed the urgent need for accessible funding: “Young people require direct support to lead community restoration projects for wetlands like Harare’s Monavale Vlei and Cleveland Dam—sites now critically endangered by urban expansion.” Her call aligns with Environmental Management Agency (EMA) audits confirming 35% of major urban wetlands have been lost to construction since 2000.
Eco-tourism advocate Wadzanai Moyo echoed demands for enforceable commitments: “We need COP15 to mandate the halting of illegal settlements on wetlands and promote nature-based livelihoods.” This reflects the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) 2023 assessment that over 60% of Zimbabwe’s wetlands face moderate to severe degradation.
Tanaka Mutekedza, a conservation student, noted the summit’s significance: “As host nation, Zimbabwe must champion binding rehabilitation targets, especially for water-scarce regions like Matabeleland.” UN Water reports confirm wetlands supply 70% of rural water in these areas.
Zimbabwe’s 1,117 documented wetlands support over 500 bird species and 20 endangered mammals while sustaining livelihoods for ~4 million people through agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Despite this, Zimbabwe has designated only 7 of its 28 pledged Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention—a gap acknowledged by the Ramsar Secretariat.
Preparations include the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development training 87 traditional leaders on wetland governance. The government will seek $50 million in restoration funding at COP15, alongside technical aid for zoning laws and youth inclusion in Ramsar governance.
