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Annually, on the 2nd of February, we commemorate World Wetlands Day. It is also the anniversary of the global Convention to Protect Wetlands, signed in the Iranian town of Ramsar, and globally known as the Ramsar Convention, for which UNESCO is the depository agency.  The theme for this year, Wetlands and Human Well-being underscores the intricate relationship between human life and wetlands. It emphasizes the multifaceted role of wetlands as not only crucial water filters and providers but also as key contributors to climate regulation, biodiversity preservation, food security, and the support of livelihoods and cultural heritage.
 

Since the 1700s, almost 90% of the world's wetlands have undergone degradation, with wetland loss occurring at a rate three times faster than that of forests. This underscores the urgency of our collective efforts to address and reverse the decline of these critical ecosystems. 

Urban wetlands are particularly fragile. Cities and towns are often established near water sources, including wetlands, which act as filters for rain- and wastewater; and replenish aquifers holding groundwater. At the same time, they buffer the water supply. Rains falling today may be released many weeks or even months from now. The destruction of wetlands destroys nature’s own system to provide sustainable freshwater to the area. Unfortunately, land is coveted for other purposes in urban areas.
 

Harare is an example of an exceptional wetland plateau, providing water to millions of people, but under enormous pressure. Half the wetland areas in Harare are under development or degraded. Lack of water availability results in most citizens having boreholes that are dug deeper and deeper as water quality and quantity are affected. Many cities have gone through this cycle of self-destruction.

You might wonder: How can I actively contribute to the conservation and preservation of wetlands? To begin, empower yourself with knowledge about the wetlands in your vicinity—understand their current threats, appreciate their significance, and grasp why your involvement matters. As we mark World Wetland Day, it becomes paramount to acknowledge the shared responsibility that individuals, organizations, and governments bear in safeguarding these indispensable ecosystems.
 

Watch this video: which serves as a compelling illustration of the proactive involvement of the local organization, the Harare Wetland Trust, in the conservation of wetlands. In this initiative, dedicated youth volunteers act as stewards for the Monavale Vlei wetlands in Harare, a site recognized under the Ramsar Convention. Notably, Zimbabwe has committed to hosting the COP15 for Ramsar in 2025. Against the backdrop of numerous wetlands within national parks and heritage sites across Zimbabwe and southern Africa, the upcoming conference holds promise as a platform to underscore the critical significance of wetland conservation, particularly within the context of African cities.

World Wetlands Day is not just a one-day event but a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to protect and conserve these vital ecosystems. Every small action contributes to the larger effort, and by working together, we can ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our wetlands.

Happy World Wetlands Day!