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President Mnangagwa Urges Global Action to Protect Wetlands

By Loyd Matare

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the global community to reaffirm its commitment to protecting wetlands, emphasizing their crucial role in sustaining biodiversity, climate resilience, and water security.

In a statement marking World Wetlands Day, Mnangagwa stressed that “wetlands are not just natural resources – they are foundational to our shared future”.

This year’s commemorations, held under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” come as Zimbabwe prepares to host the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15) later this year.

The country has been actively promoting the protection of wetlands, with the government emphasizing the need for immediate action to safeguard these ecosystems from encroachment and degradation.

Zimbabwe’s efforts to protect wetlands are part of a broader global initiative.

The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, aims to raise public awareness about the conservation, proper utilization, and management of wetlands and their resources.

As ActionAid Zimbabwe noted in a statement, “the destruction of wetlands poses significant challenges, particularly for vulnerable communities, as they grapple with the intensifying effects of climate change”.

To address these challenges, ActionAid Zimbabwe has called for robust enforcement of laws and policies protecting wetlands, as well as increased awareness and community engagement.

The organization has also urged the government to empower relevant agencies, such as the Environmental Management Agency, to preserve wetlands.

As Zimbabwe prepares to host COP15, the country’s commitment to protecting wetlands will be in the spotlight.

With the global community coming together to address the pressing issue of wetland conservation, Mnangagwa’s call to action serves as a timely reminder of the importance of preserving these vital ecosystems for future generations.

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