A local civic group has raised concerns over the destruction of a gazetted wetland in Tafara’s Gosden area, near Mabvuku Cemetery, where construction of residential housing is reportedly underway despite environmental protections. The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) said in a statement on Thursday that the City of Harare had approved the housing project, and…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
