COP15 CYNESA PARTICIPATION PART II, A FIELD VISIT TO KASIBO WETLAND PROTECTION PROJECT, HWANGE

A defining element of the conference was the site visit to the Kasibo Wetland Protection Project, a community-managed wetland. The field trip provided COP15 delegates with a firsthand view of a wetland system being actively restored and sustainably managed at the local level. This experiential learning journey provided powerful insights into the practical realities of wetland conservation.

 Delegates observed firsthand how local communities are restoring degraded wetland areas, managing water flows, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices. The field visit illustrated how wetlands can support both ecosystem health and community livelihoods when managed wisely and inclusively.

During the visit, participants engaged with local community members and co-leading stakeholders like Environmental Management Agency and Forestry Commission who shared key insights on wetland conservation while also supporting livelihoods through eco-friendly agriculture, sustainable fishing, and nature-based tourism. The project also showcased the integration of traditional knowledge and modern techniques to address water management challenges.

For CYNESA, the Kasibo visit was a powerful educational-based experience and inspiration that successful conservation of wetlands is deeply rooted in nature, people and place. It demonstrated how empowering communities, especially women and youth, can lead to measurable ecological and socio-economic benefits. Such models are essential for replicating restoration efforts across Zimbabwean communities and across the continent and deserve more visibility and support in national and international plans.