Story by Memory Chamisa
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to integrating wetland conservation with climate action, biodiversity protection and sustainable development through the Ramsar Legacy Project, aimed at restoring Lake Chivero.
Stakeholders convened in Harare this Thursday to map the implementation of the initiative, which forms part of Zimbabwe’s response to hosting the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Wetlands in Victoria Falls and the country’s assumption of the Ramsar Presidency for 2025–2028.
Lake Chivero, one of Zimbabwe’s seven Ramsar Sites and the primary water source for Greater Harare, is under severe ecological stress. Threats include sewer inflows, industrial effluent, and upstream wetland degradation.
“The lake is currently in a state of chronic hyper-eutrophication, having reached a critical failure point where its natural resilience is exhausted. Driven by massive daily discharges of raw sewage, industrial effluent, and the degradation of upstream wetlands, the lake’s condition severely compromises the ecological integrity of the surrounding environment and poses a significant threat to local wildlife. As a critical ecosystem, the lake’s degradation disrupts the water-food-nature nexus, leading to biodiversity loss, the destruction of vital habitats, and direct risks to the health of over two million residents,” aquatic ecologist Mr David Goza said.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has committed US$1.4 million through the Southern Africa Ramsar Regional Initiative (SARRI) to support the project.
“The SARRI provides a critical platform to share knowledge, best practices, and mobilise technical and financial resources for wetlands conservation across the region. We have committed US$1.4 million in support of the Ramsar Legacy Project and Lake Chivero’s rehabilitation,” said IUCN Country Director, Mr Simba Mandota.
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) quality manager Mr Alpha Taruvinga Chikurira affirmed the agency’s role in restoring the lake.
“As the environmental governing body, we are committed to ensuring Lake Chivero, one of our seven Ramsar sites, is restored. This project aligns with both national and international priorities, aiming to translate global commitments into tangible local action. Its success depends entirely on coordinated efforts of all stakeholders within the Upper Manyame Catchment,” Mr Chikurira said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Ambassador Tedious Chifamba, said the workshop was critical in aligning national priorities with COP15 resolutions and securing stakeholder buy-in.
“Lake Chivero is not only a Ramsar Site, it is the heart of Greater Harare’s water system, a national economic asset, and a public health concern. This workshop marks a critical step in Zimbabwe’s vision to move from declarations to delivery. Today’s Ramsar Legacy Project Inception Meeting signals the start of coordinated, multi-sectoral action to operationalise this plan,” Ambassador Chifamba said.
The Lake Chivero Pollution Mitigation and Restoration Intervention Plan (2026-2030) identifies five strategic pillars: halting pollution at its source, in-lake interventions, rehabilitation of feeder rivers, strengthening governance and compliance, and enhanced monitoring and research.
The urgency of the restoration reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to maintaining its Ramsar sites in optimal condition, in line with international obligations. Lake Chivero supports tourism, biodiversity conservation, and a local fishing industry, underscoring its strategic economic and environmental importance.
