Monavale Vlei Biodiversity Project
Support this projectMonavale Vlei, a unique wetland of exceptional beauty and biodiversity in Zimbabwe, is under threat. Local inhabitants decided to take action before it’s too late.
Nearly all the green spaces in Greater Harare are vleis (wetlands). These biodiverse natural water reservoirs renew the water table, filter and purify water and prevent erosion and flooding, as well as acting as carbon sinks. By feeding into rivers and streams, they provide more than half of Zimbabwe’s population with water.
The role and size of these wetlands is increasingly threatened by farming and development. To protect such essential habitats and their precious flora and fauna, local organisations are working together to restore Monavale Vlei. In 2001, they set up Monavale Residents’ Environmental Action, which grew into Conservation Society of Monavale (COSMO Trust) in 2005.
Protecting Zimabawe’s wetland resources
The COSMO Trust helps local communities reclaim, manage and restore their wetlands. Having built up extensive local knowledge about biodiversity, the trust organises different initiatives including livelihood training courses and indigenous tree nurseries. This model is now being replicated across Harare through the creation of community-based organisation trusts (CBO Trust).
To raise awareness about the importance of these wetlands, inhabitants are invited to discover the vlei and children have fun learning at the COSMO kids club.
Safeguarding wetlands and their natural resources is more urgent than ever. Would you like to help protect Zimbawe’s vleis?
Similar projects
Sustainable High School
In Costa Rica, two high school students, Fabricio Madrigal and Andrea Sanclaudio, launched an initiative to help young people play an active, hands-on role in sustainable development.
Classroom Africa
By supporting schools and training teachers, Classroom Africa raises awareness about the importance of protecting the environment, while involving the wider community in local conservation initiatives.
Université des Colibris (Hummingbird University)
For the Colibris citizen’s movement, giving as many people as possible the knowledge to lead a greener way of life is essential for the ecological transition. To achieve this, the association set up the Université des Colibris (Hummingbird University).
Support the project
To get involved in a collective adventure:
Discover meaningful projects
Choose your preferred project to embark on
Contact the project owner
Discover inspiring initiatives around the world and find innovative solutions
Duplicate the proposed sustainable solutions
Establish new partnerships
Find inspiration and discover new ideas
Connect and share experiences with other innovators around the world
Contact us to propose your project
Discover the innovations carried out by citizens in your CSR fields of action and in the regions of your choice
Support through funding or by providing skills in your areas of expertise
Contact the project leaders
Find inspiring stories of engaged citizens to enrich your editorial work
Help local projects increase their impact and make them known to your audience
Contact the project managers
Discover citizen initiatives around the world
Invest in local projects aligned with your strategy for sustainable development
Contact the project managers