Side event details
This side event will celebrate and pay homage to the intergenerational knowledge and leadership of Indigenous Peoples in wetlands conservation, resilience building, and climate justice internationally. It will also highlight how traditional African knowledge and practices can complement modern conservation sciences to restore and protect wetlands. It will begin with an opening remark by Nadia Owusu. Thereafter, a case study on how Indigenous ecological practices are shaping wetland restoration in Africa delivered by Glory Emmanuela Appiah
A dynamic panel discussion will bring together seven speakers representing government officials, youth, civil society, community and policy perspectives, facilitating cross-regional dialogue. The session will include a live Q&A to deepen engagement and collective learning. To conclude, attendees will be invited to participate in a Call to Action wall to share personal or institutional pledges to centre Indigenous knowledge and communities in wetland protection efforts to be presented by Tafadzwa Kurotwi.
Envisaged Outcomes:
● Strengthened global recognition of Indigenous Peoples as knowledge holders and rights-holders in wetland governance.
● Policy and practice recommendations for integrating Indigenous knowledge into wetland strategies.
● Intergenerational and cross-cultural solidarity among youth, communities, and institutions.
● Collection of tangible pledges through the Call to Action Wall, supporting Indigenous-led conservation.
Speakers Include:
- Ambassador H.E Paul-Bertrand Barets - French Embassy Zimbabwe
- Julia Pierini - Birdlife Zimbabwe
- Kudzanai Matilda - HBCU Green Fund
- Abudalahi Ali - Wildlife Conservation
- Tonthoza Uganja - Sustainable Farming Solutions
- Veronica Mulenga - Youth Climate Save Zambia
- Allain Chimanikire - Haka Game Park
- Tembani Mduduzi - Forestry Commission Zimbabwe
Relevance to COP15 Discussions:
The event supports COP15’s focus on inclusive wetland restoration and community-centred governance by showcasing how Indigenous knowledge advances Ramsar’s Strategic Plan and the Global Biodiversity Framework. It also responds to calls for Indigenous Peoples’ full and effective participation and the integration of their rights and knowledge systems into environmental policy, whilst celebrating their contributions.
Lead Organizations: Pathfinders Global, HBCU Green Fund, Emerald Climate Hub
Partner organizations: French Embassy of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Youth Council, Greenstoration, GYEM, GrandHedge International, Climate Live, andThe Conservation Conversation.
View the program outline here.