Stakeholders Unite at 'Revive the Wetlands' Workshop to Tackle Pollution Crisis
Cross-sector collaboration addresses urgent threats to Zambia's vital wetland ecosystems
Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue Drives Action Plan
OWNCA convened over 40 stakeholders for the landmark "Revive the Wetlands: Solutions to Pollution and Unsustainable Use" workshop last Friday. The event brought together government (Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources), academic experts, conservation NGOs, community representatives, and private sector partners to address the accelerating degradation of Zambia's critical wetland ecosystems.
"Wetlands are Zambia's natural water filters and climate buffers, yet we're losing them at an alarming rate. This collaborative approach marks a turning point in our conservation efforts." - Mr. David Chibwe, OWNCA Conservation Director
Expert Presentations Highlight Solutions
Scientific Assessment
Dr. Nkosi Mwansa (UNZA) presented alarming research showing heavy metal contamination in 78% of sampled wetlands, with plastic pollution increasing 300% since 2015.
University of Zambia View Presentation..Policy Framework
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources announced new wetland zoning regulations and intervetions for community-led conservation initiatives to be launched next quarter.
Government InitiativeConservation Strategy
OWNCA Conservation Director unveiled the "Wetland Guardian Network" - training 200 community monitors and establishing 15 pollution reporting stations by 2025.
OWNCA ProgramKey Outcomes & Action Plans
Immediate Interventions
- Formation of Rapid Response Team for wetland pollution incidents
- Bi-monthly community clean-up campaigns starting September
- Installation of 50 "Trash Traps" in critical water inflow points
Long-Term Initiatives
- Wetland Conservation Certification for sustainable businesses
- School curriculum integration for wetland education
- Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) pilot program