Global wetlands leader urges countries to build schools that teach children to protect nature
Thembelihle Mhlanga
Amid the roaring waters of Victoria Falls and the global urgency of COP15, a bold call for environmental education emerged. Dr. Ritesh Kuma, Asia Director of the Wetlands Schools Network, urged governments worldwide to embrace Wetlands Schools — institutions that embed environmental stewardship into the classroom.
Speaking at the Ramsar COP15 conference, Dr. Kuma said wetlands education must start early, empowering young people to become defenders of nature. “We must ensure that young citizens are not just passive observers, but active stewards of their environment,” he said.
Wetlands — known as the “kidneys of the earth” — filter water, prevent flooding, and sustain diverse ecosystems. Yet many are under threat from mining, urban expansion, and climate change. For Dr. Kuma, educating the next generation is the key to turning the tide.
“Global governments must urgently embed wetlands into school curricula,” he said. “From fieldwork to hands-on restoration, young people must experience nature to understand and protect it.”
Dr. Kuma singled out Zimbabwe for praise, citing it as a model for prioritising wetlands in national policy and planning. “Zimbabwe has taken significant strides in recognising the value of wetlands,” he said. “It shows what is possible when wetlands are treated as ecological treasures.”
His remarks come as COP15 shines a rare global spotlight on wetlands. “This is a turning point,” he said. “We are at a crossroads. If we fail to act now, we lose not just our wetlands — but the ecosystems and communities they sustain.”
Beyond biodiversity, Dr. Kuma reminded delegates that wetlands are vital to livelihoods. “These are not just ecological spaces; they are lifelines for many communities,” he said. “We must educate our youth to understand their value — for people and planet alike.”
His vision is practical and urgent: schools with local wetland studies, student-led cleanups, and tree planting projects. “This is not just education,” he said. “It’s a movement for sustainability.”
As COP15 continues, Dr. Kuma’s message is clear: the future of wetlands — and the planet — depends on what we teach today’s children.
