Zimbabwe | Setting 2034 Targets for Ecosystem Restoration to Combat Biodiversity Loss

Government officials, scientists, and community leaders from around the world convened in Victoria Falls, a resort town and city in the province of Matabeleland in western Zimbabwe, located on the southern bank of the Zambezi River and a gateway to the massive waterfall of the same name, in July for the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting parties (COP15) on Wetlands.

The global summit resulted in 25 resolutions, and the adoption of the Victoria Falls Declaration, prioritising sustainable conservation and of wetland ecosystems.

Among the key outcomes was the fifth Strategic Plan, which aims to halt and reverse wetland loss by 2034, alongside commitments to protect migratory birds and establish a Global Waterbird Estimates Partnership.

Wetlands are disappearing at a rate three times faster than forests, posing a significant threat to global biodiversity and climate goals and the restoration efforts are crucial for achieving global biodiversity and climate targets. 

Zimbabwe’s wetlands, covering 34.96% of the country, are vital ecosystems facing significant threats from human activities and climate changes. These areas, including dambos, swamps and floodplains, provide crucial services like water filtration, flood control, and habitat for diverse wildlife, including endangered species. However they are being degraded by urban expansion, illegal settlement, and unsustainable practices.

Despite their estimated annual value of up to $39 trillion, wetlands receive only 25% of global GDP in conservation funding, and COP15 in the fifth strategic plan highlighted  and emphasized the relevance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science, and envolving youth, indigenous peoples, women, and local communities to ensure effective and inclusive restoration efforts for wetland conservation.

With more than 411 million hectares lost since 1970 the Global Wetland Outlook calls for the wetlands conservation and Zimbabwe is actively working for that, setting 2034 targets for ecosystem restoration, with a focus on wetlands as part of global commitment made at the Global Summit in Victoria Falls. 

This includes restoring 250.000 hectares of degraded wetlands by 2030 to meet international targets and protecting critical freshwater wetlands by creating new Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance, and continuing to work according to the agenda plans.

These initiatives highlight Zimbabwe’s commitment to restoring its ecosystems and contributing to global efforts to combat biodiversity loss and climate change.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/global-wetlands-summit-in-zimbabwe-sets-2034-targets-for-ecosystem-restoration.html

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