THE 15th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) entered its sixth day in Victoria Falls this Monday, with a strong focus on the pivotal role women play in the preservation of wetland ecosystems.
In the face of mounting climate-induced challenges, women across Africa, often bearing the brunt of environmental degradation, are emerging as proactive stewards of fragile wetlands.
In Zimbabwe’s Binga and Hwange districts, women, supported by government initiatives and partners such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), are spearheading innovative conservation strategies that are transforming their communities.
“As women at the forefront of preserving wetlands like Chitongo in Lusulu, Binga, we’ve taken proactive steps. We have constructed two 25-metre-long stone and gabion structures to curb siltation threatening our water sources. We also rehabilitated the largest gully by erecting five wooden stake fences, digging infiltration trenches, and reinforcing smaller gullies with rocks to minimise runoff,” a conservationist from Binga, Ms Elizabeth Sibanda said.
In neighbouring Hwange, similar community-led efforts are yielding promising results.
“We’ve worked tirelessly to protect wetlands in Hwange District. In Chidobe, we constructed 11 stone and gabion structures totalling 93 metres. We reclaimed gullies and planted vetiver grass over one hectare to reduce erosion and encourage natural regeneration. These efforts have reduced cattle encroachment into protected areas,” another conservationist in the area, Ms Charlene Khumalo said.
The stories from Binga and Hwange have resonated with delegates attending the conference, particularly from other African countries.
“Women are vital in the management and preservation of wetlands. As caregivers, women are closely tied to natural resources. What I have witnessed here, especially the inclusion of women in locally led solutions, is something I will take back to Tanzania. It is clear: women have a critical role in environmental stewardship,” a delegate from Tanzania, Ms Asha Kilili said.
As negotiations continue in pursuit of a new global pact for nature, these experiences serve as a powerful reminder that empowering women is central to safeguarding the planet’s most fragile ecosystems.
The COP15 platform has highlighted that women are not merely victims of climate change, but are vital actors in reversing environmental decline and promoting resilience in their communities.
