Story by Farai Gwaze
THE protection of wetland systems has been cited as vital for sustainable water body management.
This came out when the visiting Ramsar Convention secretary general, Dr Musonda Mumba visited local wetlands and nature conservation sites.
Dr Mumba, who is in Zimbabwe to assess the country’s preparedness to host the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP 15), this Sunday visited key wetland and nature conservation sites in Harare.
She visited Haka game park, the ostrich farm, the rock climbing wall and Cleveland dam..
“Coming to an actual ramsar is very important as it shows the intersectionality of a wetland in a city scape and where communities are involved in the management and wise use of such sites. Our wetlands theme is, “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing,” hence this is what human wellbeing is all about and this why I’m excited Cop 15 is coming to Zimbabwe,” she said.
Dr Musonda’s visit also highlights the connection between wetland conservation and national development goals as explained by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment Climate and Wildlife, Professor Prosper Matondi.
“I’m pleased the secretary general has the broad range and array of what wetlands can provide for people in terms of development, it is an ecosystem that is deeply cultural. We have visited a site with the real origin that has rock paintings that express the differences, and how people value them,” he said.
The Ramser Convention secretary general’s official visit commences on Monday when she meets development partners and further explore important wetlands such as Monavale Vlei and Mukuvisi Woodlands.
