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On the sunny morning of November 8, 2024, the Chidobe community, located in Hwange-Zimbabwe, set out to revive their cherished wetland, bringing hope back to their land. Once a vital source of water for people, animals, and birds, Chidobe wetland had been overtaken by silt and neglect.
The dam is located in the KAZA Landscape, which encompasses Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and Angola. Recently, the landscape has witnessed the effects of climate change, including reduced rainfall between 2023 to the 2024 rainy season, flooding in some parts, heat waves, and droughts. The landscape also suffers from severe threats to biodiversity, such as poaching, deforestation, habitat degradation, land use changes, and encroachment.
During this period, the shrinking waters of Chidobe wetland reflected a harsh reality: drought and water scarcity tightening their grip during the 2023 and 2024 drought, leaving the community struggling.
But the people of Chidobe refused to give up. They turned to Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for help, joining forces to restore the wetland and surrounding water bodies. Supported by the GAC-funded Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas (CAPA) initiative, the community worked together to desilt the wetland, protect the natural springs and bring the wetland back to life.
With determination, 75 volunteers—including 40 women and 35 men—worked tirelessly. The women, who bear much of the responsibility for family and community life, took a leading role. Chief Mvutu praised their efforts, saying,
Chief Mvutu praised their efforts, saying, “This gender-responsive approach has strengthened our resolve to restore Chidobe’s wetlands.”
Through their hard work, the wetland slowly came back to life, symbolising the community’s resilience and unity. By December 13, 2024, as the rains approached, the wetland sparkled with renewed purpose.
Today, Chidobe wetland stands proud, providing water for 300 households, supporting wildlife, and nourishing the land. More than just a source of water, it is a symbol of what can be achieved through unity, determination, and inclusivity. To learn more about the CAPA Initiative, please visit www.iisd.org/capa