1 – WETLANDS FOCUS
At the time of writing, Zimbabwe has just hosted the COP15 of the United Nations Convention on
Wetlands of International Importance known as the Ramsar Convention. As a result, there has been
much focus on the wetlands of Zimbabwe. For some years, the Matobo Conservation Society has been
trying to have the wetlands of the Matobo Hills recognized under this convention, but like all things in
this part of the country it is an uphill battle. Due to COP15 and the attention to our wetlands in
general, we were able to get some focus on the Matobo Hills, with a visit by the Parliamentary
Committee on the Environment, who were astounded by the wetlands and fully endorsed our efforts.
Also, attention from the Bulawayo Youth Wetlands Dialogue, Bulawayo Youth Workshop (who
endorsed our proposals), Birdlife Zimbabwe, the Natural History Museum and their wetlands project,
and of course Dambari Wildlife Trust who part represented us at the Convention itself. But as yet, no
response from EMA!
Like so much in Zimbabwe we have very good legislation, we just can’t / don’t enforce it. Now is the
time for action by Government to put into practice all that they have been preaching over the past six
weeks or so. Zimbabwe holds the chair for the next three years, so now is the time to have the Matobo
Hills acknowledged as a unique wetland structure in the otherwise dry western part of the country.
We’ll be watching!
The need to protect our wetlands was made clear during the failed 2023/4 rainy season. After three
poor years, and the impact on the wetlands from overgrazing, water extraction and cultivation, I don’t
think I had ever seen the Matopos as dry as it was at the end of 2024. Normally the wetlands of Gulati
and Matobo Communal Lands are wet through to the next rainy season, providing a secure source of
water. Last year they were baked dry and dust blew where sedges used to grow. There has been a
dramatic rebound following the good rains, but if the wetlands are not managed, we will see a repeat.
There is simply not enough care given to the management of these areas and, as shown by Dambari
Wildlife Trust, wetlands can be brought back to life.
Consequently. there are a number of articles on wetlands and the Ramsar meeting at Victoria Falls. I
apologize if you have all had enough of this issue. but it is very topical to the Matobo Hills.
2 – NEXT EVENT
Date Sunday 21 September 2025
Venue Zhilo Wetland, Matopos
Meet 08:00am, Ascot Car Park (slightly earlier start to beat the heat)
Travel Trucks or vehicles with a higher clearance to tackle the Zhilo pass.
We will travel out via the Gwanda Road, and then turn off to go via the Dianna’s Pool Rd. We’ll be
travelling deeper into the hills along the Lumane Rd, possibly stopping off to visit the tree ferns in the
Lumane Valley, then onto Zhilo wetland – aka “The Fairway”. Subject to time and energy we may
visit one of the many cave sites in the area. We hope to catch the last of the spring flush of the
brachystegia forests in that area.
3 – REPORT BACK ON FIELD TRIP TO GULATI COMMUNAL LANDS
Participation at our field trip on Sunday 18th May was a disappointing 14 persons. Disappointing
because the trip through Gulati CL was beautiful and so many folk missed it. Disappointing because
the views from our destination were spectacular, and the ones who missed this trip were unable to
enjoy it. Disappointing because the walk was a delight and members would have so enjoyed it. And
most disappointing because of the constructive debate that was held regarding conservation in the
Gulati Communal Lands and not everyone gets this chance to engage. A debate that was critical as
most of the Matobo Hills fall under Communal Land, and not National Parks with many worthwhile
observations. The day started with a meander through Gulati CL, arriving at the home of Dot Bekker.
Tea was enjoyed admiring the spectacular view over the National Park, past Sham and into the
Mtsheleli Valley. Introductions were made and Dot started the conversation with the support of
Raphelos, one of the Gulati communal leaders. Members then joined in.
In due course we were taken by Rafelos on a walk, culminating in a clear flowing, cool stream, in the
Wisha valley past Dwalambomvhu before returning for our picnic lunch.
4 – LOPHPODELLA THOMASI
Fresh water anemone were first recorded in Africa in the 1890s, and are globally a rare occurrence. In
1904 the first anemone in Zimbabwe was found in Harare by a Mr R.H. Thomas – and largely
forgotten about until Mr Barny O’Hara noticed something unusual in the dam at The Farmhouse in
June this year. A sample was sent to Mrs Cathy Sharp for identification and Lophopodella thomasi
was confirmed. It is such a small creature that it is incredible that this was rediscovered. Once again,
the Matopos surprises us all! Well done to Barny for being so observant!
5 – PARLIAMENT CHAMPIONS WETLAND CONSERVATION
With acknowledgement to Newsday, 5 June 2025
PARLIAMENT has launched the “Voices of Zimbabwe on Wetlands” campaign, putting community
experiences and perspectives at the forefront of wetland management nationwide.
This initiative, supported by DanChurchAid and Conservation Conversations, aims to empower local
voices and promote sustainable wetland conservation practices.
Community representatives shared their stories and insights with over 20 parliamentarians during the
launch of the campaign, highlighting the importance of recognising local indigenous knowledge in
wetland management.
Sam Matema, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate,
Tourism and Hospitality Industry, emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to protect
wetlands.
“We need a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to managing Zimbabwe’s wetlands,
where everyone has a role to play,” Matema said.
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He said focus on community engagement and participation was crucial in addressing the challenges
facing Zimbabwe’s wetlands, including land invasion and climate change.
By amplifying local voices and promoting sustainable practices, the “Voices of Zimbabwe on
Wetlands” campaign can help to ensure the long-term conservation of these vital ecosystems, he said.
Conservationists said the community-led approach had the potential to make a significant impact on
wetland conservation and management in Zimbabwe.
6 – RHINO CONSERVATION TAKES CENTRE STAGE
NewsDay, Friday May 2
A wildlife leadership programme focused on rhino conservation is set for launch in May, aiming to
equip local conservationists with the skills and mentorship needed to protect these endangered
species. The programme, titled “Rising Wildlife Leaders: Careers”, will provide individualised
training, peer learning opportunities and professional guidance to bolster the leadership of
conservationists over the next three years. The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and the Wildlife
Conservation Network (WCN) have partnered to support six individuals from Indonesia, Kenya,
Namibia and Zimbabwe, who are working to safeguard Javan, Black, White and Sumatran rhinos.
7 – POACHING ALARM
Herald, Saturday May 17
Iconic black rhino Gomo slain at Imire Conservancy: In a devastating blow to wildlife
conservation, Gomo, a 22 year-old black rhino and beloved symbol of hope at Imire Rhino & Wildlife
Conservancy, has been killed by poachers in yet another brutal act of wildlife crime. The rhino's horn
was hacked off, feeding the illegal trade driven by international demand. The killing has sparked
outrage and grief across the conservation community, reigniting calls for urgent and coordinated
action to combat poaching. Gomo. who was born and raised at Imire, had become a beacon of
resilience and a testament to the success of long-term conservation efforts.
NewsDay, Saturday May 17
Jumbo carcass with missing tusks discovered near Vic Falls: Rangers from the Victoria Falls Anti-
Poaching Unit (VFAPU) have discovered the carcass of an adult male elephant with its tusks missing,
raising concerns of a potential poaching incident. The carcass, which appeared to be several days old
and showed signs of scavenging, was located on a property near Victoria Falls. “Upon investigation,
the carcass of an adult male elephant was discovered, several days old, with clear signs of scavenging.
However, most notably was the absence of the tusks,” a statement from VFAPU reads. The discovery
was made following alerts from researchers at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, who monitor collared
wildlife in the area, including lions and vultures.
8 – WHITE RHINOS RETURN TO GONAREZHOU AFTER 100 YEARS
With acknowledgement to Newsday; 9 June 2025.
THE thundering footsteps of white rhinos once again echo across Gonarezhou National Park, marking
the species’ return to the area after more than 100 years. The five southern white rhinos, all sourced
from the privately run Malilangwe Trust, were relocated to Gonarezhou between April and May this
year as part of an effort to re-establish a viable white rhino population in the region.
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According to a statement from the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, the goal was to restore an element
of biodiversity long lost to the ecosystem. The Trust said the reintroduction was aimed at establishing
a new, viable meta-population of white rhino and creating a future for white rhinos in Zimbabwe’s
second largest national park.
White rhinos, once native to the Gonarezhou region, are believed to have disappeared from the park in
the early 1900s, with isolated sightings continuing into the 1990s. Although there were isolated
records of individual white rhinos in Gonarezhou up to 1992, the last viable population of white rhino
in Gonarezhou likely dates back to the early 1900s, before the species was completely extirpated from
Zimbabwe.
Reintroduction of white rhinos to Zimbabwe began in the second half of the 20th century from
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. However, unlike the black rhino, no known attempt was made to re-
establish a viable population of white rhino in Gonarezhou until now, making this reintroduction all
the more significant.
The relocation follows the 2021 reintroduction of black rhinos to the park and builds on infrastructure
developed for that project. Planning for the white rhino reintroduction began in 2023, with feasibility
studies conducted to assess habitat suitability, security requirements and long-term monitoring
protocols.
The five rhinos were selected based on social compatibility, age and sex. After immobilisation and
transport, the animals were held temporarily in fenced acclimatisation pens before their release to
secure zones within the park. The Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, a joint venture between the
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society, worked
in partnership with veterinarians, ecologists and logistical teams from the Malilangwe Trust.
The trust announced that the return of white rhinos to Gonarezhou is a historic milestone and the start
of a new phase for both the species and the park. “The return of white rhinos to Gonarezhou is a
historic milestone, but it is only the beginning. Their release back to this wilderness marks the start of
the next phase of the journey for them and Gonarezhou,” the trust said. “Ensuring their protection and
long-term survival will remain a key focus through ongoing intensive monitoring and security,
collaboration with partners and the public.”
To safeguard the animals, Gonarezhou has increased security measures, including ranger patrols,
aerial surveillance and real-time tracking technology. Southern white rhinos are classified as near
threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with an estimated global population
of around 13 000. The species faces ongoing threats from poaching and habitat loss, particularly in
southern Africa. The park, Zimbabwe’s second largest, spans over 5 000 square kilometres and
borders Mozambique and South Africa.
9 – KING MZILIKAZI COMMEMORATIONS TO RUN FOR 2 DAYS
Southern Eye, Thursday May 8
The annual King Mzilikazi commemorations will run for two days this year, marking a new
development in the event’s history. Mthwakazi ka Mzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA)
Mhlahlandlela steering committee secretary Lungisani Ndiweni said the commemorations would be
held on September 5 and 6. “The event will take place on September 5 and 6, 2025, at King Mzilikazi
Memorial Site (KoMhlahlandlela), 22km outside Bulawayo along Old Gwanda Road,” Ndiweni said.
10 – NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM WETLANDS PROJECT
On a chilly Saturday morning on 19 June, in the shade of our beloved Natural History Museum, we
gathered to officially open the Natural History Museum Wetlands project. This will be developed into
a living display, with a billboard describing Wetlands. The site is between the Natural History
Museum and Leopold Takawira Ave, in a place that has naturally occurring clays. In time an
educational walkway will lead visitors along a route where they can (hopefully) see a dynamic
wetland environment. This is very much the brainchild of Cathy Sharp, who also developed the
Museum’s Mike Garden Butterfly Garden.
After speeches and formalities, the billboard was opened by your Chairman, Gavin Stephens and
Paddy Pacey, who is developing a similar project at Mukuvusi Woodlands in Harare. Thereafter teas
were served.
Paddy Pacey and Gavin Stephens cut the
ribbon
Matopo Mission Primary School Conservation Club
11 – ZIMBABWE HOSTS COP15 AS LEADERS EYE VICTORIA FALLS
WETLANDS PACT
With acknowledgement to APAnews Harare
The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on
Wetlands kicked off in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls resort town on Wednesday, drawing delegates from
172 countries. Running from 23–31 July, COP15 is themed “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common
Future” and is expected to culminate in the adoption of the Victoria Falls Declaration – a landmark
commitment to scale up wetland restoration and establish a Global Wetland Restoration Fund.
Speaking ahead of the meeting on Tuesday night, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and
Wildlife Evelyn Ndlovu underscored the urgency of action. “Wetland conservation is not just an
environmental concern, it is a climate imperative, a hydrological necessity and a development
obligation,” Ndlovu said. She said key initiatives to be launched at COP15 include the Global
Wetland Watch platform for real-time monitoring and the African Wetland Observatory Network to
support grassroots solutions, as well as the integration of wetlands into national climate and
biodiversity frameworks, including Wetland City Accreditation Convention on Wetlands Secretary
General Musonda Mumba described the moment as historic, marking the second time that the meeting
has been hosted on African soil. “This is not just a meeting of governments; it’s a platform for
science, diplomacy, and community to come together around a common goal: protecting wetlands for
our common future,” she said. The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 in Iran, is the world’s only
international treaty focused exclusively on wetlands. It promotes the wise use of wetlands and has
designated over 2,500 Ramsar sites globally. Zimbabwe ratified the convention in 2012 and currently
hosts seven Ramsar sites, including Lake Chivero, Mana Pools and Monavale Vlei. According to the
Convention Secretariat, the world has lost over 411 million hectares of natural wetlands since 1970,
with a financing gap of up to $550 billion threatening restoration efforts. President Emmerson
Mnangagwa is expected to formally open the summit later this week. Delegates will also tour the
Kasibo Wetland in Hwange, showcasing Zimbabwe’s nature-based restoration efforts.
12 – LONGCHENG PLAZA’S LEGACY HAUNTS ZIMBABWE AHEAD OF
CONVENTION ON WETLANDS
Nehanda Radio
The continued operation of Longcheng Plaza, a large shopping mall built on a wetland in Harare,
stands as a prominent symbol of Zimbabwe’s ongoing struggle to enforce its environmental protection
laws, Nehanda Radio can report. As Zimbabwe prepares to host the COP15 Ramsar Convention
meeting in Victoria Falls from July 23 to 31, 2025, the international spotlight will likely be on the
nation’s commitment to wetland conservation. ‘Ramsar COP15’ is shorthand for ‘the 15th meeting of
the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands’.
Members of Parliament this week debated an urgent motion to impose a moratorium on further
wetland allocations, citing long standing concerns about unchecked development. Completed in late
2013 on a gazetted wetland along the Harare-Bulawayo highway, Longcheng Plaza became a
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controversial development from its inception. Despite its location on what is legally considered a
protected ecosystem, and opposition from environmental groups, the commercial complex proceeded
with construction. In a 2018 report, Steady Kangata, then environmental education and publicity
manager at the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), confirmed the mall lacked proper
environmental certification, deeming its development illegal.
But the Chinese developers faced no penalties at the time, a situation that has appeared to persist in
Zimbabwe. While the mall’s management asserted in 2018 that "all due processes" were observed,
environmentalists continued to point to it as a prime example of lax enforcement.
This historical context highlights a critical issue brought before Parliament this week by Harare East
legislator Kiven Mutimbanyoka. During a motion calling for a nationwide moratorium on wetland
allocations, he specifically cited Longcheng Plaza as "one of the most gruelling examples of wetlands
destruction in Harare." He argued that the failure to halt its development set "a dangerous precedent,
demonstrating that even legally protected wetlands could be sacrificed for commercial gain."
Mutimbanyoka’s motion cited Zimbabwe’s constitutional and international obligations to protect
wetlands, which are rapidly being converted into residential and commercial properties.
The motion highlighted that less than 5% of Harare’s 47 gazetted wetlands, including Ramsar sites
like Lake Chivero, Cleveland Dam, and Monavale Vlei, remain intact.
Since 2017, the lake has not spilled, leading to dangerously concentrated pollutants and exorbitant
water treatment costs. Harare’s 47 gazetted wetlands, including three Ramsar sites, Lake Chivero,
Cleveland Dam and Monavale Vlei, less than 5% remain intact," Mutimbanyoka stated.
"What is most egregious is that the very institutions mandated to safeguard these ecosystems are the
primary agents of their ruin.
"Urban municipalities rather than upholding their custodial role, have facilitated wetland degradation
through their present disregard for environmental policies. This paradox undermines a profound
governance crisis.
"Authorities tasked with regulating land use are instead enabling its reckless exploitation. Their
abdication of responsibilities is a fundamental driver of this environmental catastrophe, demanding
urgent rectification. "The devastation of wetlands extends far beyond environmental degradation. It
has escalated into a full-blown public health crisis and economic disaster. "Naturally, our wetlands are
in a state of alarming decline. 21% are severely degraded, 61% moderately degraded, and only 18%
remain in stable condition."
The proposed resolutions include an immediate moratorium on land allocation in wetlands by several
key Ministries, an Inter-Ministerial Commission of Inquiry to investigate past allocations and
recommend remedial action and the declaration of all wetlands as ecosystem-sensitive areas to
prevent future disturbance.
The dire consequences of wetland destruction, as articulated by Mutimbanyoka, include chronic water
shortages due to failing groundwater recharge systems, increased urban flooding (over 50 incidents in
2023 alone), and a public health crisis evidenced by over 10,000 cases of cholera and typhoid in 2022.
He further stated that Lake Chivero, Harare’s primary water source, has seen a 30% decline in water
levels over the past decade, with pollution exacerbating the crisis.
Julia Pierini, coordinator of the Harare Wetlands Trust, stated in 2018 that the "will to protect the
environment" was largely absent. More recent reports, including a 2022 Auditor-General’s report,
corroborate that EMA often fails to enforce its own orders, with local authorities, who hold
demolition powers, sometimes complicit in illegal developments.
Concerns about the integrity of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) also persist.
In 2018, Ronnie Chirimuta suggested that EMA should conduct EIAs independently, a call echoed by
other environmental advocates who argue that the process is often exploited to facilitate development
on wetlands.
While Zimbabwe has enacted a 2022 National Wetlands Policy and the Environmental Management
Act, a recent dialogue in June 2025 indicated that current laws are "not fully protecting wetlands" and
called for urgent legal reforms.
13 – LET’S SAFEGUARD WETLANDS, ZIM TAKES OVER AS RAMSAR CHAIR
With acknowledgement to The Herald, 25 July, 2025
ZIMBABWE yesterday officially assumed the Presidency of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of
the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), taking over from the
People’s Republic of China, with President Mnangagwa urging the world to act boldly and decisively
to safeguard wetlands and address drivers of wetlands loss.
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The handover was witnessed by President Mnangagwa at the official opening of COP15 in Victoria
Falls in a momentous ceremony marked by symbolism and global solidarity.
The event was graced by high-ranking dignitaries, including the Vice President of Malawi, Dr
Michael Bizwick Usi and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Russel Mmiso Dlamini.
Also present were representatives from the United Nations, conservation bodies and indigenous
communities, underscoring the global significance of wetland preservation.
Outgoing COP president, Mr Xia Jun of China, formally handed over the Ramsar Convention flag to
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Evelyn Ndlovu, symbolising the transfer
of leadership for the next three years.
President Mnangagwa hailed the occasion as a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe and the global
community. “Today, we thus, gather as representatives of our nations and as stewards of a shared
heritage and future. We are one-united people and citizens of our planet Earth, with a sacred duty to
protect that which has been entrusted to us by Almighty God, for both present and future generations.
“It is in this spirit, therefore, that the theme of this Conference, ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our
Common Future,’ is timely, in its emphasis on the role of wetlands in ecological health, biodiversity
conservation, and climate resilience,” he said.
The President underscored the importance of wetlands to economies. “Wetlands, which include
swamps, marshes, fens, bogs, estuaries, mangroves, and peatlands, are crucial habitats for about 40
percent of the earth’s species. They provide livelihoods for more than a billion people. To neglect
wetlands would be to abandon a critical portion of our existence,” he said.
He further outlined the multifaceted benefits of wetlands, including water purification, flood control,
and carbon storage, which align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“All these benefits complement efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,
particularly in addressing poverty (Goal 1) and hunger (Goal 2); water supply challenges (Goal 6);
promoting sustainable human settlements (Goal 11); Climate Action (Goal 13) and Partnerships (Goal
17),” he said.
Despite their importance, President Mnangagwa warned that wetlands face unprecedented threats.
“Wetlands are among the most threatened habitats on Earth. They face challenges such as habitat loss
and degradation due to urbanisation and development, agricultural expansion, and climate change,
leading to shifts in wetland distribution, and altered hydrological cycles, among others,” he said.
He called for urgent, collaborative action to reverse the decline, stressing the need for innovative
restoration techniques, robust policy frameworks, and community involvement.
“Now is the time for us to change our mind-sets and start implementing multi-faceted and
collaborative approaches towards protecting our wetlands,” he said.
The President outlined Zimbabwe’s strides in wetland conservation since ratifying the Ramsar
Convention on 3 May 2013.
A key outcome of COP15 is the anticipated endorsement of the Victoria Falls Declaration, a landmark
framework aimed at galvanising global efforts for wetland conservation.
President Mnangagwa elaborated on its significance:
“At the centre of this Declaration is the acknowledgement of the critical ecological, social, and
economic importance of wetlands, and their global significance for sustainable livelihoods.
“The Declaration also serves as a guide and reminder for us to conserve, restore, and sustainably
manage wetlands. Equally, we should remain seized with the enormous challenges facing wetland
conservation, especially in the context of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity
loss, and pollution.”
He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to championing resource mobilisation and international
collaboration. “
Outgoing Ramsar President Mr Xia Jun of China hands over the flag, signifying the transfer of the
chairpersonship to incoming president Dr Evelyne Ndlovu, who is Zimbabwe’s Environment, Climate
and Wildlife Minister.
“My Government commits to champion resource mobilisation for sustainable wetland management,
rehabilitation, and collaboration. This includes building strong linkages among partners such as other
multilateral environmental agencies, countries, institutions, the private sector, and stakeholders
“The scale of wetland loss and its associated threats demands immediate and cooperative action from
all stakeholders. Time has come to secure the guaranteed preservation of wetlands as a foundation for
a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future,” he said.
He urged delegates to move beyond rhetoric and embrace implementation.
“While the formulation of policies and adoption of resolutions are essential, their effective
implementation is even more critical, along with our readiness to invest in wetland protection.
Therefore, let this COP15 be recognised for taking concrete steps from discussion to implementation,”
he said.
The President expressed gratitude to the outgoing COP President, China, and the Ramsar Secretariat
for their support. “I appreciate the sterling work done by the outgoing COP President, the Government
of the People’s Republic of China. The guidance and support you provided to us in preparation for our
Presidency are highly appreciated,” he said.
With the declaration of COP15 officially open, Zimbabwe now stands at the helm of global wetland
conservation efforts, poised to lead with innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment.
As the world watches, the Victoria Falls Declaration is set to be a cornerstone in the fight to preserve
these vital ecosystems for generations to come.
14 – NATIONS PLEDGE TO PRESERVE WETLANDS
With acknowledgement to Rutendo Nyeve in Vic Falls
More than 170 countries have reaffirmed commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of
wetlands at the ongoing 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the Ramsar Convention in Victoria
Falls.
The high-level summit, hosted by Zimbabwe, has brought together global leaders, environmental
experts and policymakers to strengthen international cooperation in protecting wetlands, critical
ecosystems that sustain biodiversity, support livelihoods and combat climate change.
Eswatini Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, commended Zimbabwe for its leadership in wetlands
conservation, describing its efforts as a benchmark for the region.
Representing His Majesty King Mswati III, Prime Minister Dlamini praised Zimbabwe’s role in
hosting COP15, following the successful Transfrontier Conservation Areas Summit.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini fully supports efforts to promote the conservation and wise use of
wetlands. Zimbabwe and Eswatini stand as examples of what can be achieved through commitment
and regional synergy,” he said.
Prime Minister Dlamini outlined Eswatini’s own progress in wetlands preservation, including the
adoption of a national wetlands policy and a wetlands strategy and action plan.
He highlighted the cultural significance of wetlands, citing the annual Reed Dance (Umhlanga)
Festival, which depends on healthy wetlands for reeds used in the ceremony.
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“We have witnessed tangible benefits from wetlands restoration, including the revival of near-extinct
plant species, recharged water sources, and economic empowerment through handicrafts, weaving,
and sustainable agriculture,” he said.
However, he warned of growing threats from urbanisation, which has led to wetlands being drained
and converted into residential and commercial spaces.
“We must explore innovative construction methods to preserve these critical ecosystems,” he said.
Malawi’s Vice President, Michael Usi, delivered his solidarity statement calling for the urgent need
for accelerated action in wetlands protection.
“This important global gathering in the breathtaking setting of Victoria Falls reminds us that for over
50 years, the Ramsar Convention has provided the essential global framework for the conservation
and wise use of wetlands.”
15 – AS WETLANDS COP15 OPENS IN ZIMBABWE, ITS TIME TO RETHINK
HOW WE VALUE WETLANDS
There is more to Victoria Falls than meets the eye. As the world’s largest waterfall, it marks the edge
of a broader wetland system—one that supports water security, biodiversity, and livelihoods across
southern Africa. As Zimbabwe hosts the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to
the Convention on Wetlands (COP15), this location invites a closer look at the role wetlands play in
sustaining life, and the decisions now needed to ensure they continue to do so.
COP15 arrives at a moment when wetlands—essential for climate resilience, food production, water
supply, and biodiversity—are being lost and degraded at a rate that outpaces our responses. According
to the Convention’s recently released flagship publication, the Global Wetland Outlook 2025, global
wetland extent has declined by 22% since 1970, with losses continuing at an average rate of 0.52%
per year. Degradation is accelerating: one in four remaining wetlands is now in poor ecological
condition, with that proportion rising.
Despite these figures, wetlands still provide some of the most valuable and cost-effective solutions to
the world’s most pressing challenges. They support water security for billions of people, absorb
carbon more efficiently than most other ecosystems, and deliver an estimated $7.98 to $39.01 trillion
in annual ecosystem services. Yet these contributions remain undervalued in decision-making and
underfunded in public and private investment.
Zimbabwe knows better than many others just how important wetlands are. Wetlands provide water to
more than two-thirds of the population, allowing for agriculture and tourism while buffering against
floods and droughts. In response to growing pressures, the Government has implemented stronger
legal protections, advanced local restoration initiatives, and deepened public engagement on wetland
issues. The recent recognition of Victoria Falls as a Wetland City reflects both local commitment and
the kind of urban ecological leadership that can be replicated elsewhere.
But national ambition, however strong, cannot substitute for global coordination. Wetlands are shared
systems. They cross borders and connect sectors. Protecting them requires cooperation, consistent
investment, and a shift in how they are understood: as strategic infrastructure that protects the stability
of our economies, health systems, and food supply.
The Global Wetland Outlook 2025, sets out the scale of action needed: at least 123 million hectares
must be restored to account for past loss, and 428 million hectares of remaining wetlands must be
conserved. Doing so will require a major increase in global financing—somewhere between $275 and
$550 billion per year, yet current investments fall far below that range. In fact, biodiversity
conservation across all ecosystems receives just 0.25% of global GDP.
Zimbabwe’s hosting of COP15 is both timely and significant. It brings global attention to a region
where wetlands are still deeply embedded in the landscape and culture, but also increasingly
vulnerable. The conference presents a unique opportunity to prioritise wetlands in the biodiversity and
climate agendas, and to align technical, political, and financial systems behind that goal.
Africa, home to approximately 40% of the world’s remaining wetlands, is well positioned to lead
this shift. Many of the continent’s wetlands remain ecologically functional, and traditional knowledge
of sustainable management practices endures. But external pressures—driven by extractive industries,
land-use change, and climate stress—are growing rapidly. Without targeted support, we risk losing
these ecosystems for good.
COP15 can help turn that tide. The Convention provides a platform for negotiation, as well as
strategies, data, policies, and innovations. It is also a place to elevate voices that are often
underrepresented; local communities, indigenous groups, cities, and young people, who are already
shaping the future of wetland stewardship on the ground.
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This meeting in Victoria Falls will not solve every problem. But it can set a new trajectory. Decisions
made here have the potential to ripple outward, shaping how wetlands are valued and governed across
continents.
Rivers rarely follow straight lines, and neither does meaningful change. But when enough tributaries
converge, that momentum can become difficult to ignore. It’s a life lesson that wetlands have taught
us, and perhaps now the world is finally ready to listen.
16 – SOCIETY CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY
22 September 2025 World Rhino Day
28 – 30 November 2025 Matobo Classic
17 – MEMBERS NOTEBOOK
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US$ 5 Pensioner/Student
US$100 Corporate
If you need any information, please contact matoboconservatiosociety@gmail.com
MCS Branded Apparel
The Society has a small stock of sleeveless fleece jackets, in olive green with orange MCS logo,
available at US$20 each. They are ideal for the cool mornings and evenings. We also have new stocks
of hats and caps at $15 each and shopping bags are also available at $5 each. Additional branded
apparel (such as khaki shirts, fleece jackets, golf shirts) can be ordered on request. Please contact the
Secretary via WhatsApp +263 71 240 2341 for further details
Website – www.matobo.org
Visit our website and make use of the RESOURCES tab for maps and information.
Please email to matoboconservationsociety@gmail.com
Facebook
Don’t forget to join our Facebook page, with nearly 1000 members now.
The Natural History of the Matobo Hills
This MCS publication is available at the Natural History Museum for US$30.
Umvukela – The 1896 Anti-Colonial Rebellion in Matabeleland by IJ Cross
This limited-edition book has just been published by the Matobo Conservation Society as it records an
important part of the Matopos History. Available at $50 each as stocks last. Contact the Secretary.
18 – IN MEMORIUM
Alan Elliot. Alan passed away on 1st August 2025. He enjoyed an interesting career, as he was the
first to develop wilderness camps that evolved into Touch The Wild. His favourite camp was that of
Matobo Hills Lodge, so much so that, when he sold Touch The Wild, he kept Matobo Hills Lodge for
himself! Alan had a deep knowledge of the bush, and will be missed by family and friends alike. We
send our sympathy to the Elliot family at this sad time.
Gordon MacDonald. We were saddened to learn of the passing of Gordon on 5th August 2025.
Gordon & Heather joined the MCS in November 2001, and, although less active recently, have
remained loyal members of the Society for over 23 years. Gordon was a long-serving teacher at
Falcon College where he encouraged environmental awareness and helped establish Quiet Waters. He
was passionate about the wilderness, taking every chance to get out into the wilds. He will be missed
by Falcon, WEZ and the MCS. We extend our condolences to Heather and family.
