THE 15th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) entered its seventh day this Tuesday in Victoria Falls, with focus turning to a field visit aimed at appreciating Zimbabwe’s strides in wetland preservation.
As part of the side events at the ongoing COP15, delegates visited Kasibo Wetland in Hwange District to witness firsthand how local communities are contributing to the resuscitation and preservation of wetlands.
Delegates from around the globe, including Canada and Australia, expressed admiration for Zimbabwe’s efforts in wetland restoration and sustainable management.
“What we see here is motivating. It shows what communities can achieve when they work together. We saw a community in charge of its own future,” a delegate from Canada, Ms Zuzu Gadallah said.
“What we witnessed here is amazing. It is a model that should be replicated globally to conserve wetlands. People here are united, creating sustainable livelihoods. We applaud Zimbabwe for the steps it is taking in wetland preservation,” a delegate from Australia, Mr Ake Rosenqvist expressed.
Deputy Director Communications in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Ms Joyce Chapungu, outlined the purpose of the visit.
“The purpose of this field visit is to showcase what Zimbabwe is doing to preserve its wetlands. We want the world to witness this success story and encourage international financiers to support our conservation initiatives in Hwange and beyond. From the feedback we are getting, delegates are impressed with what they have seen,” she noted.
Once severely degraded, the Kasibo Wetland has been successfully rehabilitated through the collaborative efforts of government and development partners, in alignment with the Ramsar Convention’s aspirations.
Today, the wetland supports a thriving horticulture project, a fish farming initiative, and supplies clean water for both domestic use and livestock needs in the local area under Chief Hwange.
