Preservation of wetlands, ancient rock paintings and natural springs is at the heart of eco-tourism at Mumurwi Lions Head Resort as Mashonaland Central Province commemorated this year’s World Wetlands Day at the conservancy to celebrate cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. Nestled within a sensitive ecological zone of wetlands, streams and indigenous vegetation, the resort was hailed as a model ecotourism entity that integrates wetlands conservation, community participation, cultural heritage preservation and ecosystem protection, in line with the national development agenda and Vision 2030. Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Christopher Magomo, who was represented at the event by Provincial Secretary, Mr Timothy Maregere, said Zimbabwe’s wetlands are not only ecological assets but cultural landmarks that define the nation’s heritage and future.
He commended Lions Head Mumurwi Resort and Conservancy for its commitment to wetlands preservation and sustainable environmental management. “This year’s theme, Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage, speaks to the heart of who we are as Zimbabweans,” said Minister Magomo. “For centuries, our ancestors lived in harmony with wetlands, understanding river flows, respecting sacred springs and protecting nature through indigenous wisdom.” The commemorations came as Zimbabwe holds the presidency of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands after successfully hosting of COP15 in Victoria Falls in 2025.
Minister Magomo said the presidency places Zimbabwe at the centre of global wetland governance. “This is not merely a title. It is a testament to our leadership in conservation.
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The eyes of the international community are upon us,” he said. As Ramsar president, Zimbabwe is championing a shift from top-down conservation approaches to inclusive models that bring together scientists and traditional leaders in wetland management, in line with resolutions adopted at COP15. Wetlands provide critical ecosystem services, including water supply, food production, flood control, groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
Despite covering only six percent of the earth’s land surface, wetlands support about 40 percent of all plant and animal species. However, wetlands remain among the most threatened ecosystems globally, with the Ramsar Convention estimating that 64 percent of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since the beginning of the last century. Minister Magomo saluted traditional leaders for safeguarding wetlands and urged communities across Mashonaland Central to emulate such efforts, saying indigenous knowledge systems remain a powerful conservation tool.
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