Story by Memory Chamisa
AS Zimbabwe readies itself to host the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15) in July, Members of Parliament yesterday embarked on a familiarisation tour of key wetland sites to appreciate their critical role in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and water management.
From July 23 to July 31, the global community will convene in Victoria Falls for the 15th Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.”
As part of the build-up to this high-level event, legislators from both the National Assembly and Senate on Saturday visited Monavale Vlei, Lake Chivero and Cleveland Dam wetlands in Harare.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Honourable Sam Matema, emphasised the indispensable role of wetlands in ecological sustainability.
“Wetlands purify our water, shield us from floods, store vast amounts of carbon and serve as vital habitats for countless bird species. As we approach WetlandsCOP15 in Victoria Falls, the message is clear, we cannot halt biodiversity loss or tackle the climate crisis without urgent action to protect and restore wetlands, wetlands matter now more than ever,” Honourable Matema said.
Environmental Management Agency Impact Assessment and Ecosystem Protection Manager who is also the National Focal Point on Ramsar Convention, Mr Phanuel Mangisi spoke on the importance of wetland ecosystems and opportunities ahead of COP15.
“One of the seven Ramsar sites or wetlands of International Importance in Zimbabwe is Monavale. A wide variety of species live in wetlands. Birds, including ducks, geese, kingfishers and sandpipers, use wetlands as pit stops during long migrations, providing them with protection and food. Protecting wetlands means protecting the incredible biodiversity they sustain,” he said.
Environmentalists who were part of the tour also noted the need for concerted efforts in tackling the global climate, biodiversity and water crises.
“As we build up to COP15 it is imperative to address some of the challenges communities are facing especially areas like Monavale where there is an impasse between the local authorities and residents in conserving wetlands. Biodiversity plays a critical role in ensuring wetlands are protected,” Harare wetlands advisor, Dr Rob Cunliffe said.
“We have launched the COP15 community voice to ensure that as the world descends on Zimbabwe everyone is aware of the significance of wetlands and is well versed in what it means for Zimbabwe and their communities and are also able to make meaningful contributions to the negotiations that will take place,” Conservation/Conversation Executive Director, Rumbidzayi Takawira said.
The WetlandsCOP15 will bring the world together to champion the vital role of wetlands in sustaining biodiversity, ecological health and climate resilience.
Wetlands COP15 will be held under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,”
Zimbabwe’s commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands is enshrined in the 2022 National Wetlands Policy and reinforced by a robust framework of national legislation.
These efforts are central to the country’s broader environmental protection agenda, ensuring wetlands are protected for their ecological, social and economic value.
