Community Mirror Reporter
Environmental experts and civic leaders converged at the Cresta Jameson Hotel on Tuesday to address Zimbabwe’s pressing wetland conservation challenges ahead of the country’s historic hosting of the Ramsar Convention’s COP15 in July 2025.
The policy dialogue forum highlighted urgent needs for stronger legislative frameworks to protect the nation’s rapidly diminishing wetlands.
Recent data paints a concerning picture, with over 80% of Zimbabwe’s wetlands now moderately or severely degraded according to the Environmental Management Agency.
In Harare alone, 784 hectares of wetlands were lost to structural development between 2008 and 2019.
“Zimbabwe’s position as the upcoming host of COP15 presents a crucial opportunity to strengthen our environmental laws and integrate the Ramsar Convention into our national legislation,” said Ruben Akili, director of the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA).
“Our wetlands are facing unprecedented threats from unplanned settlements, construction, and pollution. We must act now to preserve these vital ecosystems.”
Dr Rob Cunliffe, an ecologist from Birdlife Zimbabwe, emphasized the critical role of wetlands in the country’s water security.
“These ecosystems are not just about biodiversity – they are the primary water sources for most of Zimbabwe’s population. With over 900 plant species and 250 bird species recorded in Harare’s wetlands alone, we’re at risk of losing an irreplaceable natural heritage that directly impacts our water security.”
The City of Harare is taking steps to address these challenges through new policy initiatives.
Mr Lisben Chipfunde, Head of the City’s Environmental Management Unit, revealed a shift in approach.
“We are moving away from top-down policy implementation to a more inclusive, community-driven approach. Our new environmental policy framework is being developed through extensive stakeholder consultation, ensuring that residents have ownership of these critical conservation efforts.”
The forum’s timing is particularly significant as Zimbabwe prepares to implement its 2022 National Wetlands Policy, which aims to ensure sustainable use and restoration of wetlands as part of the country’s development strategy.
The nation has already designated seven wetlands as Ramsar Sites of International Importance, covering 453,828 hectares.
Environmental experts at the forum stressed that Zimbabwe’s position as an inland country makes wetland preservation particularly crucial. Unlike coastal nations, Zimbabwe relies entirely on rainfall within its borders for water resources, making the protection of water-catchment areas vital for national water security.
The dialogue forum concluded with stakeholders calling for immediate action to strengthen environmental legislation and enhance enforcement mechanisms.
With Zimbabwe’s upcoming role in the Ramsar Convention leadership, the nation stands at a critical juncture in its environmental conservation journey.
The event was organized through a partnership between the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), Birdlife Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Wetlands Trust, Cleveland Action Alliance Trust, and the City of Harare, demonstrating a unified approach to addressing the country’s environmental challenges.
