Chipinge celebrates World Wetlands Days

BY STEVE EPHRAEM

Chipinge celebrated a belated World Wetlands Day in style on February 14, 2025, at Mt. Selinda.

A development partner, Green Institute, in collaboration with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), joined hands with the Muwango community to plant trees in Ward 19, Chipinge on the day.

The event, themed “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” was an important reminder of the significance of wetland conservation. Village head, Mutape Muwango, emphasised that preserving wetlands is crucial for his community as conservation is an integral part of African culture.

Blessing Matasva, the director of Green Institute, highlighted that wetlands play a key role in flood control and provide habitats for diverse species. He urged communities to implement effective land and water management practices for the benefit of future generations.

Guest speaker, Wilbert Chauruka from EMA Chipinge, underscored the vital role wetlands play in our ecosystems and the threats they face. He encouraged people to avoid polluting and over-exploiting natural resources.

World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on February 2, raises awareness about wetlands and marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971.