The Zimbabwean Government has expressed deep concern over the lack of commitment to wetland conservation, with Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Sithembiso Nyoni emphasizing their vital role in sustaining ecosystems and water sources.
Nyoni made her remarks during the launch of the Wilderness Ngamo Livestock Farm and Vocational Training Centre in Tsholotsho, where she also announced that Zimbabwe will host two significant international environmental conferences this year.
In May 2025, the country will welcome the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Conference and Summit, followed by the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in July.
Highlighting the critical importance of wetlands, Nyoni pointed out that they are the origin of many rivers. “A lot of people don’t take wetlands seriously, but that’s where most of our rivers begin. When we visited Hwange, we witnessed firsthand how wetland preservation led to the revival of a river. Wetlands are the lungs of the earth, and their conservation is crucial,” she said.
Zimbabwe has made notable progress in wetland conservation efforts, recently achieving Ramsar City status for Victoria Falls, a recognition under the international treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
In 2023, the nation, in collaboration with regional partners, launched the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) and the ZIMOZA Transfrontier Park, initiatives designed to enhance cross-border wildlife conservation.
The upcoming SADC TFCA Summit will be chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and will encompass discussions that extend beyond KAZA member states to include all SADC countries.
As the nation prepares for these high-profile summits, Minister Nyoni reiterated the urgency of prioritizing wetland conservation. “Hosting these conferences is a great honour, but we must lead by example. We need to protect our wetlands and bolster transfrontier conservation efforts for the benefit of future generations,” she asserted.
