Monavale Wetland standoff exposes clash between Harare’s growth and its fragile ecological future

In the early morning light, the Monavale Vlei Wetland still breathes. Reeds, grass sway above shallow water channels. Birds cut across the skyline. The ground beneath the grass remains soft and waterlogged despite the dry season creeping into Harare. For decades, the wetland has quietly performed the work most residents in other parts of Harare…

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Zimbabwe turns inward on climate funding as global support wavers

As uncertainty deepens around global climate financing, Zimbabwe is increasingly looking inward to fund its response to the climate crisis, with officials pushing for a new National Climate Fund designed to mobilise domestic and international support for adaptation efforts. The proposed fund, which sits at the centre of the country’s draft Climate Change Management Bill,…

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From Belém to Harare inside the growing fight against climate disinformation shaping Africa’s climate future

When government delegations met in Belém last year, the conversation extended beyond emissions targets and climate finance. For the first time, countries formally acknowledged the growing threat of climate disinformation and misinformation in shaping climate action. The Declaration on Information Integrity on Climate Change, signed by more than 15 countries, marked a turning point. It…

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Magamba Network launches UKWELI the African climate information integrity guide

Zimbabwe-based creative civic organisation Magamba Network launched UKWELI, an African-led guide aimed at countering climate disinformation, which it described as a growing threat to climate action on the continent. The digital resource was unveiled during a virtual webinar that brought together climate activists, researchers, fact-checkers, journalists and policy advocates from across Africa. Magamba Network said…

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Harare’s wetlands under threat as residents cry foul over illegal development

Harare residents are up in arms over the destruction of sections of the Monavale, Meyrick Park wetlands, accusing land developers of illegally clearing protected areas that form part of the city’s main water source. The uproar follows the sighting of graders clearing large portions of land within the Monavale Wetland Ramsar Site last week,  an…

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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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