COP15 Ramsar Convention puts spotlight on Zimbabwe’s wetland conservation efforts

Zimbabwe is investing a lot of efforts  to protect its valuable wetland resources as the globe gets ready for the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Several wetlands of international significance, including the famous Victoria Falls, are located in the nation, which has been a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since 2013.

"Wetlands are critical for our country's well-being, providing essential services such as flood control, climate regulation, and supporting local livelihoods," said Angella Kabira, the Principal Natural Resources Officer in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife. "As we host this global event, we are committed to showcasing our progress and collaborating with international partners to further strengthen wetland management," added Phanuel Mangisi the Ramsar Convention-National focal person and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Manager at the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).

A recent survey conducted by the Environmental Management Authority found that 55.65 percent of Zimbabwe's surviving wetlands are considerably degraded and only 17 percent are in perfect condition. The survey did find, however, that a startling 26.72 percent of wetlands are seriously deteriorated, underscoring the pressing need for action.

Taking bold steps to protect wetland ecosystems

To address this challenge, the government has been implementing sustainable wetland management techniques in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Local communities and policymakers in Zimbabwe have benefited from technical assistance and capacity-building support from the Green Cities Initiative and the Sustainable Forest Management Impact Program on Dryland Sustainable Landscapes (DSL-IP) project, which is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

"Providing essential ecosystem services that benefit both people and the planet, wetlands are often overlooked, but their importance cannot be overstated," according to Patrice Talla, the FAO's Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO representative in Zimbabwe. "FAO is supporting  the Government of Zimbabwe’s efforts  to restore damaged wetlands, encourage responsible use, and support local care for these areas," he said.

By implementing comprehensive and coordinated land and forest management strategies in line with the principles of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), FAO is collaborating with the government through the DSL-IP project to restore deteriorated areas of Miombo and Mopane woodlands in the Save and Runde Catchments, as well as to reverse the negative trends in land and forest degradation, which include the destruction of wetlands. The project is being implemented in eight districts across three provinces of Manicaland, Masvingo and Midlands.

The DSL-IP project has 15 000 direct beneficiaries, with at least 52% being women. The objective of the intervention is to restore 2 150 hectares of land, mitigate 1.26 million metric tons of carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emissions and to have 172 540 hectares of landscapes under improved practices.

The Green Cities Initiative (GCI) support will help increase the biomass of existing forests, support the regeneration of wetlands and degraded lands while mitigating greenhouse gas emission by expanding agroforestry and promoting land restoration practices. “Through the GCI project, Zimbabwe will restore 1 931 hectares of forest, hectares of grass and shrubland and a total of 39 hectares of wetlands in Harare and Bulawayo,” said GCI project coordinator Constance Sekete.

Leading the charge for global action ahead of COP15

As Zimbabwe prepares to host the upcoming 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) in July 2025, the government is leveraging the COP15 Ramsar event to showcase its commitment to wetland conservation and sustainable development.

One of the key initiatives that Zimbabwe has taken to safeguard its wetland resources is the development of a comprehensive Wetlands Management Act, which aligns with the principles of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This legislation, coupled with the country's existing Environmental Management Act, aims to strengthen the regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms for wetland protection. 

"This is a critical moment for us to demonstrate our leadership in environmental stewardship and inspire other nations to follow suit," said the Director Environmental Services at EMA, Steady Kangata. "By working together with the FAO and the global community, we can ensure a brighter, more resilient future for our wetlands and the communities that depend on them."

The COP15 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is scheduled to take place in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from July 23 to 31, 2025. The FAO's delegation will be actively participating, sharing its experiences and advocating for increased international cooperation in wetland protection and restoration.