The COP15 event is not just for environmental experts, government officials, or foreign visitors. It is a matter of importance to every Zimbabwean because wetlands play a central role in the life, economy, and future of this country. Zimbabwe’s rivers, farms, towns, and wildlife all depend in one way or another on the health of its wetlands.
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is close to the surface for long periods. They include swamps, vleis, marshes, and floodplains. Many of these are familiar landscapes in both urban and rural Zimbabwe. They store water, reduce the impact of floods, and release water slowly to keep rivers flowing throughout the year. They also purify water by filtering out harmful substances and trapping silt.
In cities like Harare, wetlands are crucial for cleaning water before it reaches rivers and underground wells. These natural systems reduce the costs of water treatment for urban areas and prevent floods during heavy rains. When wetlands are destroyed or disturbed, the risk of urban flooding rises sharply. Roads get washed away, homes are damaged, and water sources are polluted. Restoring damaged wetlands can reduce these problems and save money that would otherwise be spent on repairing infrastructure.
In rural areas, wetlands provide grazing land for livestock, fishing grounds, reeds for crafts, and medicinal plants. They support smallholder farmers, especially in dry regions, by holding water during droughts and keeping the surrounding soil moist. Wetlands protect rivers and lakes from drying out, which is essential for both human communities and wildlife.
The destruction of wetlands leads to a chain of problems. Rivers dry up faster. Grazing land disappears. Fish and bird species vanish. Droughts become worse and more frequent. Some wetlands in Zimbabwe have already been badly damaged by farming, sand extraction, fires, and building projects. In cities, land barons and dishonest developers have built houses and shops on wetlands, while some authorities have allowed this to happen against environmental regulations. As a result, Harare and other urban centres face worsening water shortages and higher costs for pumping and treating water.
Victoria Falls itself depends on the health of upstream wetlands along the Zambezi River. If those wetlands are drained or polluted, the river's flow will decline, threatening one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. The Falls are a major source of tourism income for Zimbabwe, providing jobs in hotels, transport, guiding, and crafts. A drop in tourist numbers would harm the economy and reduce income for local communities.
For Zimbabwe, hosting COP15 is both an honour and a responsibility. The country has a chance to show the world that it takes wetland protection seriously. This is also a moment to improve how wetlands are managed at home. International visitors and investors are watching to see if Zimbabwe will keep its promises. A good performance at COP15 could help attract funding for environmental projects, new investments in eco-tourism, and support from global green funds.
The government has developed policies to protect wetlands. The Environmental Management Act and other laws make it illegal to build on or damage wetlands without proper permission. However, enforcement has been weak. In some cases, wetlands have been turned into housing estates or industrial sites, despite protests from environmental groups. If the government is serious about wetlands, these practices must stop.
The solution is not only to protect the wetlands that remain but also to restore those that have been damaged. Wetlands can recover if they are given time and help. Blocking drainage ditches, planting native reeds, and preventing fires can bring degraded wetlands back to life. Restored wetlands can again provide clean water, grazing, and wildlife habitat.
Communities play a key role in this work. In many parts of Zimbabwe, people depend on wetlands for their daily needs. They collect water, graze cattle, and harvest useful plants. When these communities are included in wetland protection, they often do a better job than outsiders. Local people understand the value of these places because they live with them every day.
There are already good examples. In Driefontein, Midlands Province, local people are helping to protect the wetlands that support rare bird species like the wattled crane. Conservation groups have worked with villagers to balance farming with wetland protection. As a result, the area now attracts birdwatchers and other tourists, bringing income to the community.
Education is another important part of wetland protection. School children need to learn that wetlands are not wastelands but valuable resources. Farmers need advice on how to graze livestock and grow crops without damaging wetland areas. Town planners must be trained to respect environmental laws. Builders and developers must follow the rules and avoid building on sensitive sites.
Wetland protection also needs money. Restoring wetlands, building fences, training monitors, and running community projects all cost funds. Zimbabwe cannot afford to do this alone. COP15 offers a chance to access global funding sources like the Green Climate Fund or the Global Environment Facility. These organisations support countries that make real efforts to protect their natural resources. Zimbabwe needs to show that it is ready to use such funds responsibly.
Tourism can also help fund wetland protection. If wetlands are managed properly, they can attract visitors interested in birds, wildlife, and natural beauty. This means income for guides, drivers, hotel staff, craft makers, and many others. Victoria Falls is the best example. Tourists come from all over the world to see the Falls and enjoy the surrounding natural parks. Keeping these areas clean, safe, and healthy is good for both the environment and the economy.
The environmental benefits of wetlands are closely linked to the economic and social wellbeing of the country. When wetlands are lost, the cost is high: floods damage homes and roads; droughts destroy crops; water shortages cause suffering in both cities and villages. When wetlands are saved, the benefits include better water supply, more secure farming, healthier rivers, and more tourist dollars.
Zimbabwe can make COP15 the start of a new approach. Laws can be enforced properly. Builders who ignore the rules can be fined or stopped. Communities can be supported to care for their local wetlands. Education on wetlands can be part of every school syllabus. Tourists can be encouraged to visit wetland areas in a responsible way.
At the same time, the government must speak clearly to the world at COP15. Zimbabwe should promise to protect its wetlands, to restore those that have been damaged, and to involve local people in the work. It should also ask for financial help, based on a clear plan for wetland conservation. International donors want to support countries that show honesty, seriousness, and results.
COP15 is a rare opportunity. It may not come again soon. If Zimbabwe uses this chance well, the country will benefit for years to come. Wetlands will be saved. Rivers will flow strongly. Tourism will grow. Farmers will have better harvests. Towns and cities will face fewer water shortages.
The future can be positive. Zimbabwe has rich natural resources. Its wetlands are among its greatest treasures. With care, they can continue to provide water, food, and income for future generations.
When the visitors at COP15 leave Victoria Falls at the end of July, Zimbabwe should be able to say that something real and lasting has begun. Not just promises on paper, but action in the field. Wetlands can be protected, restored, and used wisely for the benefit of all.
This is not an environmental luxury. It is a national need. Without wetlands, life in Zimbabwe becomes harder, poorer, and more dangerous. With wetlands, life becomes safer, richer, and more secure.
The world will be watching. So will the people of Zimbabwe. COP15 must not be wasted.
