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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24130, member: 2262"] Zimbabwe Leaders Push to Save Vital Wetlands. President Mnangagwa called for stronger wetland protection as Zimbabwe prepares to host a major conservation conference. The country faces growing pressure to preserve these natural water systems. Over the past 25 years, Harare City Council has allowed builders to destroy many wetlands. Officials sold land cheaply to people with council ties, turning streams into drainage ditches between buildings. The loss affects the water supply. Rain can't soak into the ground through concrete and buildings. It rushes out of the city instead of filling underground water stores. Many deep wells have run dry. Wetlands serve key roles in cities. They clean water and refill underground reserves. They offer space for parks and recreation. Some schools use wetland edges for sports fields. Golf courses preserve green spaces in housing areas. Rural wetlands face threats from farmers wanting to plant crops. These areas need protection to keep streams flowing and wells working. The land stores water through Zimbabwe's eight dry months. "Preserving wetlands fights climate change effects in towns and rural areas," said a local expert. "They provide green spaces in cities and backup grazing for farmers in hard times." Zimbabwe will host the 15th Conference of Parties on wetland conservation this year. The 1971 treaty, signed in Ramsar, Iran, guides global wetland protection. The president stressed that active protection helps current and future generations. Saving wetlands costs little—they simply need to stay untouched. This preservation brings lasting benefits to communities across Zimbabwe. [/QUOTE]

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