ZIMBABWE will use the annual World Wetlands Day to raise awareness on the importance of wetlands and their role in sustaining life and mitigating climate change, authorities have said.
World Wetlands Day, held annually on February 2, marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands, also known as the Ramsar Convention, which was signed in 1971.
This year’s commemorations will be held under the theme Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.
According to the Environmental Management Agency (Ema), the theme “recognises wetlands as sacred places and acknowledges the invaluable traditional knowledge systems, ancient practices and wisdom held by many communities that guide the sustainable management and use of local wetlands”.
Ema said the theme highlighted how cultural beliefs and taboos continued to play a role in wetland conservation across the country.
“Numerous wetlands across the country, such as Ditchwe in Mashonaland West, Njedza in Mashonaland East and Malilangombe in Matabeleland South, are conserved through cultural beliefs and taboos,” the agency said.
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Ema added that the 2026 theme aligned with international commitments under the Ramsar Convention.
“The theme aligns with COP15 resolutions on utilising traditional knowledge for the conservation of wetlands,” the agency said.
Zimbabwe currently holds the Presidency of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands following COP15, a position that Ema said “places the nation in a leading role for global dialogue and action in protecting these vital ecosystems.”
The national commemorations will be held at Ditchwe Wetland in Makonde district, Mashonaland West province, on February 2, 2026.
Ema said the national event would be followed by provincial and district-level commemorations across the country.
“All citizens are encouraged to participate in these events for the conservation and restoration of our wetlands.”
World Wetlands Day is commemorated annually to promote the protection and sustainable use of wetlands, which provide essential ecological services, including water regulation, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.