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Africa’s wetlands at risk: Report urges governments to prioritize wildlife conservation

Published

1 day ago

July 29, 2025

BY STAFF REPORTER

A groundbreaking report launched at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) in Victoria Falls emphasizes the vital role wildlife species play in sustaining Africa’s wetlands.

The report, “Africa Special Report: Taking Animals into Account,” urges governments to incorporate animal-driven ecological processes into their wetland restoration and management strategies.

Magnus Sylvén, GRA director of Science-Policy-Practice, describes the report as an “invaluable resource” for those implementing the Ramsar Convention. “By recognising the fundamental ecological role of wild animals, we will become better at managing and restoring the world’s inland and coastal wetlands,” he said.

The report highlights the alarming decline of wetlands and freshwater species, with an estimated 3.4 million square kilometers of inland wetlands lost globally since 1700.

Nearly one-third of freshwater fish species face extinction. James Isiche, IFAW regional director for Africa, stressed the link between wetland preservation and broader climate and biodiversity goals.

“Protecting and restoring these dynamic ecosystems is essential to building climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and ensuring a future where animals and people thrive together.”

The report showcases 11 case studies from across Africa, demonstrating the importance of healthy wild animal populations for ecosystem services. The researchers identified five key messages, including the need to establish effective no-take fishing zones, ensure the “flow” of water and wildlife in large-scale landscapes, and combat unsustainable use of key wetland species.

The Africa Regional Group reached a consensus in support of a draft resolution on achieving equitable governance and effective conservation of wetlands. They emphasized the need to balance conservation efforts with socio-economic development and to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

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Two Zimparks rangers injured in elephant attack

Published

23 minutes ago

July 30, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Two Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) rangers were injured by elephants in the Sengwa, Chirisa Safari area yesterday, while investigating a reported case of a snared buffalo.

According to a Zimparks press statement released yesterday by their spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo, the incident occurred when the duo encountered a herd of elephants with calves, which charged at them.

A helicopter was reportedly dispatched to airlift both rangers to Harare for urgent medical attention as of yesterday afternoon.

During the chaotic scene, one ranger suffered a broken arm while fleeing, while the other was gored, sustaining severe abdominal wounds and fractures to his arm and leg.

Farawo concluded by saying that the authority’s thoughts are with the injured rangers and their families during this challenging time.

In the community

Relatives convicted of brutal assault of son-in-law over property dispute

Published

24 hours ago

July 29, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Bulawayo court has concluded the case of a 65-year-old man, Abednico Maposa, who was brutally attacked by his relatives, including his wife and three brothers-in-law, over a property dispute in Swart Village, Inyathi.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, four accused individuals – Sikhanyiso Zulu, Isaac Sibanda, Cabangani Zulu, and Lucky Zulu – were on trial for assaulting Maposa.

The State alleged that on February 9, the accused persons attacked Maposa with stones, demanding a fridge and other belongings, and left him unconscious with head and body injuries.

In conclusion, the Tredgold Regional Court Magistrate in Bulawayo acquitted Sikhanyiso Zulu and Isaac Sibanda due to insufficient evidence.

Cabangani Zulu and Lucky Zulu were convicted and sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, with 6 months suspended and an additional 18 months suspended on condition that they complete 630 hours of community service.

Hwange

Teacher sentenced to 15 months for assaulting student with wooden stick

Published

2 days ago

July 28, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A Hwange Magistrates’ Court has convicted and sentenced a 27-year-old teacher, Shyleen Nenduva, to 15 months imprisonment for brutally assaulting a 15-year-old grade 7 student.

According to court records, on July 9, Nenduva from Gwai, struck the student several times on the back with a wooden stick, punched him once in the chest, and violently pushed him onto a desk. The assault resulted in the student sustaining a swollen and painful right elbow.

The court heard that the incident occurred after the student misbehaved outside the classroom, prompting Nenduva to caution him. However, a misunderstanding ensued, leading to the physical altercation.

In sentencing Nenduva, the court suspended 6 months of the imprisonment term for 5 years. The remaining 9 months were suspended on condition that Nenduva performs 315 hours of community service.