Trymore Tagwirei

The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife has called on Zimbabweans and all stakeholders to strengthen efforts to protect the country’s wetlands ahead of World Wetlands Day, commemorated annually on February 2.

In a statement, the Ministry underscored the importance of wetlands to national development and environmental sustainability, describing them as vital ecosystems that underpin water security, food systems and livelihoods.

“Wetlands are Zimbabwe’s lifeblood, providing water, food and shelter. Let us work together to conserve and manage these ecosystems sustainably,” the Ministry said.

World Wetlands Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, an international treaty that promotes global cooperation on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. First observed in 1997, the day raises awareness of the ecological value of wetlands, including their role in supporting biodiversity, regulating water cycles, purifying water and mitigating climate change.

Zimbabwe has an estimated 1 117 wetlands covering about 793 348 hectares, representing approximately 1.5 percent of the country’s land area. These ecosystems provide essential services such as groundwater recharge, flood control and habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species.

Seven of the country’s wetlands are designated Ramsar sites, collectively covering 453 828 hectares. These include Monavale Vlei, Cleveland Dam, Lake Chivero and Manyame, Victoria Falls National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Driefontein Grasslands and Chinhoyi Caves.

Wetlands also play a significant role in Zimbabwe’s economy. Lake Chivero, for example, supplies water to urban centres, supports irrigation and sustains commercial fishing, while Victoria Falls and Mana Pools National Park contribute to tourism, generating revenue and supporting local livelihoods.

In addition, wetlands function as natural water purifiers and carbon sinks, filtering pollutants and storing greenhouse gases, thereby helping to reduce the impacts of climate change.

Despite their value, recent surveys indicate that only about 17 percent of Zimbabwe’s wetlands remain in good ecological condition. The majority have been degraded by urban expansion, unsustainable agricultural practices, mining activities and pollution.

Zimbabwe reaffirmed its commitment to wetland conservation when it hosted the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention in Victoria Falls in July 2025, after which the country assumed the Presidency of the Convention.

This year’s World Wetlands Day theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” highlights the role of indigenous knowledge systems in the protection and sustainable management of wetlands.

The Ministry urged communities, local authorities, conservation organisations and the private sector to participate in awareness campaigns, education programmes and practical conservation initiatives across the country.

Environmental experts say sustained and coordinated conservation efforts are critical not only for biodiversity protection and climate resilience, but also for safeguarding water supplies and economic activities that millions of Zimbabweans depend on.