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Harare, 2 February 2025 – Zimbabwe joined the global community in commemorating World Wetlands Day 2025, underscoring the need for urgent action to protect and restore wetlands for future generations.
This year’s theme, “Protecting Wetlands for a Common Future,” highlights the critical role wetlands play in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and water security. The national commemorations, held at Kasibo Wetland in Hwange District, Matabeleland North, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding these fragile ecosystems.
Ahead of the commemorations, President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to wetland conservation, urging stakeholders to prioritize sustainable management of these vital ecosystems.
“As we approach World Wetlands Day 2025, under the theme ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,’ we recognize the vital role wetlands play in sustaining biodiversity, climate resilience, and water security.”
“In the run-up to COP15, it is time to reaffirm our commitment to protecting these essential ecosystems. Wetlands are not just natural resources they are foundational to our shared future. Let’s come together to protect and restore them, ensuring their benefits for generations to come.”
Zimbabwe’s Wetland Conservation Efforts
In his World Wetlands Day press statement, Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Honourable S.G.G. Nyoni (MP), highlighted the country’s achievements since ratifying the Ramsar Convention in 2013. Zimbabwe has designated seven wetlands of international importance, including Victoria Falls, Mana Pools, and Lake Chivero, and remains committed to expanding this list.
However, the Wetlands Masterplan of 2021 revealed that while 17.63% of Zimbabwe’s wetlands remain pristine, 55.65% are moderately degraded, and 26.72% are severely degraded. The government has since introduced a Wetlands Policy, Wetlands Masterplan, and Wetlands Management Guidelines to strengthen conservation efforts.
COP15: A Global Opportunity for Zimbabwe
This year’s World Wetlands Day carries special significance for Zimbabwe as the country prepares to host the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15) from July 23 to 31, 2025, in Victoria Falls. The conference will bring together global leaders, scientists, and conservationists to discuss sustainable wetland management strategies.
Minister Nyoni emphasized that Zimbabwe’s role as the COP15 host presents a unique opportunity to lead the global conversation on wetland conservation and climate resilience.
A Call for Collective Action
Minister Nyoni urged government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and the media to work together in raising awareness and promoting sustainable wetland use. He also encouraged citizens to actively participate in wetland restoration efforts, as these ecosystems provide essential services, including:
• Water purification and security
• Flood control and climate regulation
• Biodiversity conservation
• Livelihoods through agriculture, fishing, and tourism
• Carbon sequestration to combat climate change
“Wetlands matter—let’s protect them for posterity,” the Minister concluded.
As Zimbabwe moves forward in its environmental conservation journey, the President’s message and the upcoming COP15 serve as strong reminders that wetland protection is a shared responsibility that benefits both people and nature.
