Located in the northwestern region of Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, the 500-hectare Monavale Vlei remains a well-protected wetland that offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts, thanks to the dedicated efforts of a local conservation group.

HARARE, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Located in the northwestern region of Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, the 500-hectare Monavale Vlei remains a well-protected wetland that offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts, thanks to the dedicated efforts of a local conservation group.

As wetlands in Harare face challenges from urban development, the Monavale wetland remains well-preserved, said Jimmy Muropa, an officer with the Conservation Society of Monavale (COSMO), a community organization established to protect and restore the Monavale wetland.

The wetland's protected and thriving ecosystem makes it a haven for many bird species, including migratory birds, said Muropa. "For us, birds are a very good indicator of the healthy nature of any ecosystem. To protect these species, we have to protect this kind of habitat."

Since 2005, Muropa has worked with COSMO to restore the wetland and protect it from threats such as waste dumping and informal agriculture. His responsibilities also include the removal of alien plant species to ensure that the area remains a healthy ecosystem.

Despite being surrounded by residential suburbs, the wetland has become home to various mammals such as the slender mongoose, large grey mongoose, side-striped jackal, bush pig, otters and duikers, among others.

The Monavale wetland is crucial to Zimbabwe's ecosystems, as it also forms part of a network of wetlands in the Manyame catchment basin, which is the primary source of water for the city of Harare and its surrounding satellite towns.

"Monavale Vlei is a unique wetland that physically demonstrates what Harare's headwater wetland ecosystems look like. These are our water sources, the beginnings of our streams and rivers. Currently, Monavale Vlei, the core area, is a perfect example of what a true headwater wetland ecosystem looks like -- well conserved and preserved," Muropa said.

As wetlands in Harare dwindle due to human activities, Muropa said there is a need to push for wetland protection, as they play a vital role in water filtration, flood control, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity support.

"Wetlands are more like the lungs and the kidneys of the cities," Muropa said, noting that the capital's water supply has been degraded due to the loss and degradation of wetlands.

As Zimbabwe prepares to host the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in the resort city of Victoria Falls from July 23 to 31, the importance of preserving wetlands has taken center stage.

"Zimbabwe will hold the Ramsar presidency for the next three years. So the world's eyes are actually on us, so we should be conserving our wetlands," Muropa said.

To raise awareness about wetland conservation, Muropa has organized educational walks, led outreach programs, engaged in advocacy and collaborated with relevant authorities.

Following a recent tour of the Monavale wetland, Precious Chizema, a member of the Restore Eden Initiative, a movement launched by Zimbabwean youths with a focus on environmental conservation and sustainable development, said wetlands are also important from a cultural perspective.

"We learnt that in the wetlands we can also find some trees and other plants that will help us with natural medicines, like the herbs that our great-grandfathers and mothers used," she added.