PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has called for the preservation and protection of wetlands as they play a key role in sustaining biodiversity, climate resilienceand water security.
He made the remarks in a statement to commemorate this year’s World Wetlands Day yesterday.
World Wetlands Day is commemorated to mark the signing of the Treaty on the conservation of wetlands.
The treaty was signed on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.
This year’s commemorations were held under the theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”.
President Mnangagwa said it was time the world reaffirms its commitment towards safeguarding wetlands.
“’As we approach World Wetlands Day 2025, under the theme ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,’ we recognise the vital role wetlands play in sustaining biodiversity, climate resilience and water security,” reads part of the statement.
“In the run-up to COP15, it is time to reaffirm our commitment to protecting these essential ecosystems. Wetlands are not just natural resources-they are foundational to our shared future. Let’s come together to protect and restore them, ensuring their benefits for generations to come.”
The commemorations come as the Government has continued to push for the protection of wetlands, stressing the need for immediate action to ring-fence these vital ecosystems from encroachment and degradation.
The treaty aims to raise public awareness on the conservation, proper utilisation and management of wetlands and their resources.
Wetlands remain one of the country’s vital ecosystems that have traditionally provided a wide range of ecological goods and services.
This year’s commemoration is of significance, as the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15)will take place in Zimbabwe.
Every three years, representatives of governments of each of the Contracting Parties meet to facilitate crucial discussions on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and to agree on a work programme for the next three years.