Mnangagwa calls for stronger action to protect wetlands at COP15

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…

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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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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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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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BirdLife Zimbabwe leads national wetland drive as country prepares to host COP15

BirdLife Zimbabwe is ramping up efforts to stem the rapid degradation of the country’s vital wetlands, threatened by urban sprawl, unsustainable development, as the nation prepares to host a major global conservation summit. The conservation organisation is leading the push with government, communities, local authorities, and schools to raise awareness and implement practical solutions aimed…

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Cold front hits Southern Zimbabwe as forecaster warns of frost, low temperatures

A cold front sweeping in from South Africa has brought freezing temperatures and frost to parts of southern Zimbabwe, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecast. MSD head of forecasting, James Ngoma, stated that cold air moving in from the south began impacting Zimbabwe on Tuesday, leading to ground frost in southwestern regions such as…

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Zimbabwe urges use of short-season wheat as planting deadline extended

The Government has extended the wheat planting season, and is urging farmers to switch to short-season varieties to mitigate yield losses from delayed planting. The initial wheat planting window, which closed on May 31, was disrupted for many farmers due to adverse weather conditions and delays in maize harvesting. In response, the government has extended…

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Wildlife conservation is critical, not only for ecosystems but also for livelihoods of communities through tourism and conservation-driven industries

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its commitment to wildlife conservation as a critical pillar of both environmental sustainability and economic development. This came at the biennial meeting of SADC ministers responsible for Environment, Natural Resources, and Tourism, held to assess progress on implementing key regional initiatives. This year’s session coincided with the…

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There can be no true conservation without the active leadership of local communities

Local communities must be placed at the heart of global conservation efforts to ensure long-term success and sustainability, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Ambassador Tadeous Chifamba, said on Monday. During the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA)  in Harare running under the theme: TFCAs 25 Years of Cooperation for…

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Youth-Led tree therapy initiative tackles mental health challenges in Kuwadzana

By Princess Mharire In the densely populated suburb of Kuwadzana, where green spaces are scarce and mental health services limited, a youth-led initiative is turning to nature to address rising levels of anxiety and depression. Launched in 2020, the Greening Kuwadzana Project seeks to improve mental well-being through community-driven tree care and environmental activities.  Central…

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