Climate Newsroom

Listening to the Land: Indigenous perspectives and solutions for wetland resilience

Climate Newsroom9 months ago9 months ago01 mins

Indigenous leadership in wetland conservation took centre stage at COP15 during a side event titled Listening to the Land, which underscored the value of traditional knowledge in restoring biodiversity and advancing climate justice. Indigenous peoples have long been stewards of wetlands, protecting ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and passing down ecological knowledge across generations. Their leadership has…

Nuclear-tagged rhino horns enter operational phase in fight against poaching

Climate Newsroom9 months ago9 months ago03 mins

A South African-led initiative to curb the illegal rhino horn trade by embedding radioactive isotopes into rhino horns has entered its operational phase, following six years of research and safety testing. Known as the Rhisotope Project, the effort involves implanting low-level radioisotopes into rhino horns to make them detectable by nuclear security scanners at international…

Zimbabwe’s youth rise up for climate justice, responsible mining

Climate Newsroom9 months ago9 months ago03 mins

A new initiative in Zimbabwe is training young people and community leaders to push back against environmental degradation and mismanagement in the country’s mining sector. The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), a civil society organisation, has launched its first-ever Natural Resource Governance and Accountability School. Held under the theme “Re-Imagining the Future — Approaches…

Zimbabwe steps up fight against climate impacts with new soil, water projects

Climate Newsroom9 months ago9 months ago05 mins

The government of Zimbabwe has launched two projects focused on sustainable soil and water management, as the country grapples with rising climate pressures affecting agriculture and food security. The new projects “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South” and “National Water Roadmap towards 2030 Sustainable Development Goals”, are backed by the UN’s…

Mnangagwa calls for stronger action to protect wetlands at COP15

Climate Newsroom10 months ago10 months ago03 mins

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…

Climate targets must be local, inclusive, and youth-led, say African youth ahead of COP30

Climate Newsroom10 months ago10 months ago06 mins

By La’eeqa Martin, Zahraa Essa, Sakhile Dube, Lalla Masondo, Sibusiso Mazomba, Luvo Mnyobe, Bupe Mwangala Mulenga, Rachel Itenderezwe, Hadson Muwisa, Masego Mokgwetsi Zambia, Botswana, and Lesotho did not include youth in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These are national targets outlining how each country will reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts. They are blueprints…

Global leaders urge stronger enforcement as 22% of wetlands lost since 1970

Climate Newsroom10 months ago10 months ago03 mins

Environmental leaders at the COP15 summit on wetlands have called for stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent the continued degradation of wetlands, as countries face growing challenges in managing and restoring these critical ecosystems. The Global Wetland Report states that since 1970, wetlands have declined by 0.52% per year, amounting to the loss of over 411…

Harare battles land barons over wetland encroachments, parliament told

Climate Newsroom10 months ago10 months ago02 mins

Land barons have illegally occupied more than 140 sites across Harare, prompting the city to turn to the courts in a bid to stop rampant and unregulated developments, parliament heard on Monday. City officials say the capital is experiencing a surge in illegal construction, including on ecologically sensitive wetlands and along roadways, with legal challenges…

Africa faces steep wetland loss amid urgent calls for policy, finance

Climate Newsroom10 months ago10 months ago02 mins

Africa is facing an alarming rate of wetland degradation, with losses that may surpass the global average of 35% since 1970, warns Dr Julie Mulonga, Director of Wetlands International East Africa. She warned of widespread environmental and economic consequences unless urgent action is taken to restore and protect the continent’s rapidly disappearing wetlands. Ahead of…

Global wetland loss could cost $250 trillion by 2050 – New report

Climate Newsroom10 months ago10 months ago02 mins

The ongoing destruction of wetlands worldwide could result in the loss of up to $250 trillion in economic benefits by 2050, according to the 2025 edition of the Global Wetland Outlook (GWO) released on Tuesday. Wetlands, which provide critical ecosystem services such as water filtration, flood protection, carbon storage, and support for agriculture and fisheries,…