The Story of Our Wetlands: The Zimbabwean Wetland Journey

Zimbabwe’s wetlands are more than just environmental landscapes—they are lifelines for biodiversity, agriculture, and human survival.

From the rolling dombos of the Eastern Highlands to the expansive floodplains of the Zambezi Valley, these ecosystems hold the key to the country’s ecological and socio-economic stability.

As the nation prepares to host the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Victoria Falls from July 23 to 31, 2025, it is timely to reflect on Zimbabwe’s wetland journey—its triumphs, challenges, and hopes for the future.

Wetlands in Zimbabwe occupy about 3% of the country’s total land area, serving as ecological powerhouses that regulate water supply, support agriculture, and act as carbon sinks.

These areas provide invaluable ecosystem services, such as flood control, groundwater recharge, and pollution filtration, while hosting a rich tapestry of biodiversity.

Iconic species like the wattled crane, the African fish eagle, and unique flora rely on these habitats for survival.

For communities, wetlands are indispensable. Farmers depend on them for irrigation during the dry season, while pastoralists graze their livestock on wetland-adjacent grasslands. Urban wetlands, such as Monavale Vlei in Harare, are vital for water retention and flood prevention in rapidly growing cities. Beyond their utilitarian value, wetlands hold cultural and spiritual significance for many communities, reinforcing the deep relationship between nature and Zimbabwe’s people

Recent studies paint a sobering picture of the state of Zimbabwe’s wetlands. According to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), over 60% of wetlands in urban areas have been degraded, with Harare and Bulawayo witnessing the most severe impacts. Agricultural encroachment, unsustainable mining activities, and rapid urbanization have taken their toll, threatening water security and biodiversity.

For example, the loss of wetlands in Harare has exacerbated the city’s perennial water shortages, as wetlands are crucial

 in recharging Lake Chivero, the city’s primary water source.

Zimbabwe’s accession to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2011 marked a significant step toward formalizing wetland conservation. With seven Ramsar-designated sites, including the globally recognized Mana Pools and Chinhoyi Caves, Zimbabwe has pledged to uphold sustainable wetland management practices.

The Environmental Management Act provides a legal framework for wetland protection. It empowers EMA to regulate land use within wetland areas, monitor their condition, and enforce violation penalties. Furthermore, Local Environmental Action Plans (LEAPs) have been introduced, enabling communities and local authorities to collaborate in identifying and addressing environmental challenges, including wetland degradation.

Grassroots efforts have been instrumental in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s wetlands. Projects like the Mukweture Wetland in Bikita and Monavale Vlei in Harare are shining examples of community-driven success. These initiatives integrate conservation with sustainable livelihoods, allowing locals to benefit economically while protecting their natural heritage.

The Mukweture Wetland project, for instance, has transformed how local farmers approach agriculture. By adopting eco-friendly practices such as permaculture and controlled grazing, the community has enhanced productivity while preserving the wetland’s ecological integrity. Similarly, the Monavale Vlei restoration project has brought back indigenous plants and bird species, showcasing the potential for wetlands to recover when communities take ownership.

The cost of inaction on wetland conservation is staggering. Degraded wetlands can no longer perform their ecological functions, leading to water scarcity, reduced agricultural yields, and loss of biodiversity. In urban areas, wetland destruction has contributed to flooding, as natural drainage systems are replaced by impermeable surfaces.

The socio-economic impact is equally significant. Farmers and fishers who rely on wetlands for their livelihoods face dwindling resources, forcing some to abandon their trades. The decline in water quality has also increased the burden on local governments to treat water supplies, raising costs for residents.

 

Zimbabwe’s participation in the Ramsar Convention underscores its commitment to global wetland conservation efforts. By hosting COP15, the nation is not only reaffirming its dedication but also positioning itself as a leader in the fight to protect these ecosystems. COP15, themed “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” will provide a platform for stakeholders worldwide to share experiences, advance policies, and forge partnerships.

During the Standing Committee 64 meeting in Gland, Switzerland, Zimbabwe provided a comprehensive update on its preparations for COP15.

The Sub-Group of Contracting Parties commended the nation’s progress, from infrastructure readiness to stakeholder mobilization.

This meeting also reinforced the importance of aligning local actions with global strategies to ensure meaningful outcomes.

As Zimbabwe looks toward COP15, the message is clear: wetlands are not just environmental assets; they are the foundation of sustainable development. Protecting them requires a multi-faceted approach involving robust policies, community engagement, and global collaboration.

The path forward includes expanding public awareness campaigns, scaling up restoration projects, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms against illegal activities such as sand poaching and unregulated development.

Zimbabwe’s wetland journey is a testament to nature’s resilience and the power of collective action.

By embracing innovative strategies and fostering a sense of stewardship among its people, the nation can ensure that its wetlands continue to thrive as pillars of biodiversity, water security, and climate resilience.

It is a story of hope, determination, and the shared responsibility to protect what sustains us all.

Let us write the next chapter together—one where wetlands are celebrated, nurtured, and preserved for generations to come.