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

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…

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Harare battles land barons over wetland encroachments, parliament told

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…

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

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…

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

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,…

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Zimbabwe sees growing interest in carbon credit market after new regulations

Zimbabwe’s government has reported a surge in interest from both domestic and international stakeholders in its carbon credit initiatives, following the introduction of new regulations aimed at formalising the sector. The development comes after the government enacted Statutory Instrument 48 of 2025, which outlines comprehensive guidelines for the registration and trading of carbon credits. The…

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Zimbabwe urges resubmission of carbon credit applications under new 2025 regulations

Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife has directed carbon project developers to resubmit their applications in line with newly gazetted regulations under Statutory Instrument 48 of 2025, which repeals the previous 2023 carbon trading framework and establishes a new regulatory authority. “The Ministry wishes to officially inform all stakeholders that the Government of Zimbabwe…

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With wetlands key to fighting climate change, calls are growing for greater youth involvement 

Zimbabwean youth are demanding a formal seat at the table as the country prepares to host the Ramsar Convention’s 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) on wetlands later this month.  Dozens of young environmentalists, researchers and students gathered in Harare recently for a youth seminar on wetlands, organised by the African Youth Initiative on…

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SADC Ministers call for urgent action on water, energy crises

Ministers responsible for energy and water in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have called for coordinated regional action to address worsening water and energy crises, warning that failure to respond could jeopardise development, economic stability, and social well-being across the bloc. At the Joint Meeting of SADC Ministers Responsible for Energy and Water held…

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Farming against the odds: Chibvuti farmers show resilience amid climate change pressures 

By Yeukai Kaponda Located about 40 kilometers from Harare’s Central Business District, Chibvuti Farm in Goromonzi South District has long been known for its fertile soils and strong agricultural output. Now, this close-knit A1 farming community is showing how rural farmers are bravely confronting the harsh realities of a changing climate. Despite being situated in…

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Zambia launches country’s largest grid-connected solar power project

Zambia on Monday launched a 100-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project, the country’s largest grid-connected solar initiative to date, marking an important step toward addressing its ongoing energy deficit.  The 100-million-U.S.-dollar Chisamba Solar Plant, located in central Zambia’s Chisamba District, was developed by the Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation, a subsidiary of state-run power…

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