President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for a global shift in mindset and policy to protect the world’s wetlands, describing them as vital ecosystems under growing threat.
This was said during the opening of the COP15 summit of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Victoria Falls, Mnangagwa said wetlands provide essential services including water purification, flood regulation and carbon storage, and are crucial for climate resilience.
“To neglect wetlands would be to abandon a critical portion of our existence,” he said.
“Our wetlands are essential ecosystems that also provide critical services such as water purification, flood control, and carbon storage, among others.”
He warned that wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems on the planet, facing rapid loss and degradation.
“Wetlands are among the most threatened habitats on Earth. They face challenges such as habitat loss and degradation due to urbanisation and development, agricultural expansion, and climate change, leading to shifts in wetland distribution, and altered hydrological cycles,” Mnangagwa said.
The Ramsar COP15 summit, held under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”, brings together governments, experts and partners to promote sustainable wetland management.
“We are one united people and citizens of our planet Earth, with a sacred duty to protect that which has been entrusted to us by Almighty God, for both present and future generations,” Mnangagwa said.
“It is in this spirit, therefore, that the theme of this conference is timely in its emphasis on the role of wetlands.”
He stressed the importance of policy and practical action.
“Now is the time for us to change our mindsets and start implementing multi-faceted and collaborative approaches towards protecting our wetlands.”
“By integrating innovative restoration techniques, strengthening policy frameworks, and conducting robust research and monitoring, we can enhance the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands.”
Mnangagwa also highlighted the need to align wetland protection with national climate and land use planning efforts.
“The Climate Change Adaptation Plans and the Natural Boundaries and Action Plans of our nations should offer ways to address the challenges of wetlands conservation, as these plans can provide access to various climate funding opportunities.”
He said Zimbabwe is committed to playing a leading role in mobilising resources and partnerships to support wetland rehabilitation and protection.
“My Government commits to champion resource mobilisation for sustainable wetland management, rehabilitation and collaboration. This includes building strong linkages among partners such as other multilateral environmental agencies, countries, institutions, the private sector, and stakeholders.”
The president calls for sustained global attention to the threats facing wetlands.
“Future efforts must prioritise building resilience to climate change and recognise the vital ecosystem services that wetlands provide, in so doing ensuring their protection for the benefit of future generations.”
The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, is an international treaty aimed at the conservation and wise use of wetlands through local, regional and global actions.
