MUMURWI LIONS HEAD RESORT ANCHORS WETLANDS, CULTURE IN ECO-TOURISM DRIVE

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. 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.

Environmental Management Agency (EMA) provincial manager, Mr Robert Rwafa, said wetland degradation in Mashonaland Central has been driven by illegal mining, stream-bank cultivation and infrastructure development carried out without Environmental Impact Assessment certification.

He said the province’s reliance on farming and mining makes wetland preservation critical for irrigation and sustainable mining.

Mr Rwafa called for stronger collaboration among EMA, local authorities, development partners and traditional leaders, describing chiefs and elders as “the original environmental officers.”

“Our wetlands have always been more than ecosystems; they are cultural landmarks,” he said.

“Traditional leadership has time-tested methods of sustainable harvesting, water conservation and seasonal protection.”

Several wetlands under conservation were highlighted, including Gunyeri in Bindura, Chimhanda in Rushinga, Chiworeka in Mt Darwin, Nyambuzi in Mbire and Nhamoyapera in Guruve.

The Agric4She Programme, funded through the Patron of Environment and Wildlife, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, has supported conservation at Gunyeri Wetland by providing women with seed packs, fertiliser and gardening equipment to enhance food security while protecting wetlands.

The initiative was hailed as a model of community – led environmental stewardship under traditional leadership.

“This living landscape sustains water, protects biodiversity, supports livelihoods and preserves culture while helping communities adapt to climate change,” said Mr Rwafa.

Speaking on behalf of the resort’s chief executive officer and proprietor, Dr Chenjerai Chovava, the chief executive officer, Dr Chenjerai Hanyire, said the conservancy was honoured to host the provincial World Wetlands Day celebrations.

He said the selection reflected the Government’s confidence in the resort’s conservation model.

“Though we are a small player in the ecotourism industry, we are fully aligned with Government efforts to balance environmental conservation with economic development,” he said.

The resort prioritises protection of water sources, prevention of stream-bank cultivation and promotion of sustainable land-use practices to safeguard wetlands for future generations.

It has also positioned itself as a centre for environmental education, hosting school learning trips, community gatherings, church events and weddings.

Notably, the facility annually hosts the Joint Command and Staff Course celebrations of the Zimbabwe Staff College, bringing together senior officers from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, as well as allied officers from other African countries.

Dr Chovava works closely with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe to safeguard cultural heritage sites, including Bushmen rock paintings, caves and the iconic Lions Head Mountain.

Chief Musana said collaboration with surrounding communities and traditional leadership has strengthened the protection of both cultural and natural heritage at Lions Head Resort.

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