Side event details

Young people constitute a significant portion of Africa’s population and have the potential to be key drivers of innovative solutions for wetland protection and restoration. Their participation in decision-making processes aligns with the central and transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ‘Living No one Behind’.  COP15 is a crucial moment to integrate youth into the continents and Zimbabwe’s wetland conservation and policy agenda. By harnessing the energy, creativity and advocacy efforts of young people, both the continent and Zimbabwe has the potential of tapping into the talent of the young people and can advance its wetland protection frameworks and contribute to the global ecosystem restoration movement. Investing in youth today plays a part to a resilient and sustainable future for the continent’s wetlands and aligns with Ramsar resolution XIV on Strengthening Ramsar Connections through Youth and the draft resolution on Youth Empowerment and Integration.  

Objective: This side event will provide a platform for young people to present their perspectives on wetland conservation in Zimbabwe — highlighting successful approaches, challenges, and key policy interventions needed to strengthen wetland protection. The event aims to: 

• Foster knowledge sharing and capacity building on youth led wetlands management in Africa. 

• Promote dialogue among youth, conservation organizations, policymakers, and development practitioners through presentation of Youth Statement on  

• Identify priority actions and policy pathways to enhance wetland conservation efforts and develop African Youth RAMSAR Working Group. 

Envisaged Outcomes: 

• Youth Statement on enhanced protection of wetlands 

• Legal and policy recommendations on improved participation of youths in wetlands protection  

• Establishment of the African Youth RAMSAR Working Group 

• Increased awareness and knowledge amongst youths in Africa through the advocacy strategy 

FORMAT OF THE SIDE EVENT: 

The proceedings of the side event will be as follows;  

• Welcome and Introduction of the session (5 minutes) – Samantha Sithole, BirdLife Zimbabwe 

• Presentation of the Regional Youth Statement (10 minutes) – Linda Masudze, National Youth Coordinator, Audrey Nyazika, Co-presenter 

• Launch of the Africa Ramsar Working Group to strengthening Regional Representation (10 minutes) – Mogaka Benson, Wetlands Conservation Organization 

• Panel Discussion (20 minutes – 4 minutes per speaker) 

1. Tinashe Muzama, Program Officer, MAYA Trust – The intersectionality of wetlands, water and mineral exploitation in Zimbabwe; understanding policy strengths and gaps in sustaining wetland ecosystem services and human development in Zimbabwe. 

2. Kundai Ngwena, Southern Africa Climate Change Taskforce – Capacity development gaps: what role can be played by young people in safeguarding wetlands and water resources in Zimbabwe. 

3. Ngaakudzwe Tinotenda Chifamba, We Planet Africa – Wetlands and biodiversity in Zimbabwe – Eco-enterprises and sustainable livelihoods from wetlands 

4. Hazel Tariro Chimbiro, Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) – Unlocking finance for enhanced community livelihoods and youth-led initiatives for wetland restoration. 

5. Stewart Mutizwa, Zimbabwe Youth in Tourism – Sustainable Tourism practices for wetlands conservation  

• Q&A Session (15 minutes) – Facilitated by the moderator.