African Rivers

11/02/2026

https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/plants/china-has-planted-so-many-trees-around-the-taklamakan-desert-that-its-turned-this-biological-void-into-a-carbon-sink

Huge-scale ecological engineering around the edges of one of the world's largest and driest deserts has turned it into a carbon sink that absorbs more CO2 than it emits, research suggests.

11/02/2026

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09/02/2026

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𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: Celebrating wetlands and traditional knowledge and cultural heritage

Join the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands (SCPW) in celebrating World Wetlands Day this 02 February 2026, with this year’s theme, “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage.”

This year’s theme highlights the deep-rooted connections between wetlands and the cultural practices, traditions, and knowledge systems of communities across the globe, showcasing how wetlands shape identities, sustain livelihoods, and pass down generations of ecological wisdom that continue to guide stewardship and resilience.

SCPW continues to promote the wise use and conservation of wetlands to ensure that these life-sustaining ecosystems remain healthy and productive for present and future generations, through activities that increase the awareness of communities and build the capacity of stakeholders.

For this year’s celebration, SCPW is supporting and contributing to the development of Bayawan City’s wetland management plan and its nomination for Ramsar Wetland City accreditation. In addition, SCPW will conduct learning events at the Paligui Wetland in Candaba, Pampanga, and the Panguil River Ecopark in Pangil, Laguna.
Join us in celebrating wetlands as living landscapes shaped by people, culture, and knowledge. Let us work together to safeguard our lifeline for generations to come.

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09/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Friday, 6th February 2026, African Rivers, a nonprofit international organization, in conjunction with lKOE Foundation, Kafue District Commissioner's Office, Kafue Town Council, IHS Towers, Izanaam Philanthropy, and other stakeholders, successfully undertook a tree planting exercise along the Kafue River Riparian Zones. Over 1,200 trees were donated and planted in Kafue Town to support river restoration efforts and upscale climate action.

African Rivers and partners have launched the fruit tree planting project to restore the Kafue River ecosystem and sensitize local communities on climate change mitigation approaches. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the world's forests are facing an alarming mortality rate, with an estimated 13 million hectares of forest lost annually, and a further 65 million hectares affected by pests and diseases (FAO, 2020). Globally, it is estimated that 15 billion trees are cut down each year, contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation (Arbor Day Foundation, 2020).

In the Kafue River Basin, deforestation is a significant issue, with about 10,523 hectares of natural forest lost between 1990 and 2010, representing a 78.4% decline in forested area over the 20-year period (Mauya et al., 2015). Soil erosion risk assessment showed that 1.59 tons of soil were lost per hectare annually, equivalent to a loss of US$57.20 per hectare (Mauya et al., 2015).

African Rivers is deeply concerned by the high levels of pollution, soil erosion, and deforestation adversely affecting rivers and other waterbodies in Zambia and across the continent. These are mostly caused by industrial waste, human activities, and climate change. The Kafue River, the longest river lying in Zambia and the largest tributary of the Zambezi River, is a vital ecosystem that supports millions of people and the economy in general.

It is for this reason that African Rivers developed a climate-smart project for river conservation and stakeholder engagement along riverine ecosystems. The tree planting initiative is part of African Rivers' efforts to restore the Kafue River ecosystem and promote climate action.

African Rivers would like to call upon all stakeholders to join efforts to safeguard our rivers, wetlands, and environment by embracing climate-friendly practices. "Undeniably, climate change is a common enemy we must all confront now."

For comments, please contact:
African Rivers
Email: [email protected]
Cell: +260952879001

Issued by:
AFRICAN RIVERS - MEDIA TEAM

02/02/2026

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02/02/2026

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02/02/2026

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Did you know there are 54 species of fresh water fish in Britain?

Join Leek Local Wildlife Group for a talk by wildlife photographer Jack Perks to learn more about the species dwelling in our rivers, streams, and lakes.

📆 Wednesday 11 February, 7.30pm

📍St Paul’s Church Hall, Novi Lane, Leek, ST13 6NU

💷£5.00 for members and non-members (cash only)

Refreshments and parking available.
Kindly sponsored by trusted local garage Adrian Wilson.

For more info: Claire Smith [email protected]

02/02/2026

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In Senegal, Secretary General Musonda Mumba paid a courtesy visit to the Wetlands International office in Dakar, where she met Colonel Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Senior Wetland Ecologist.

Wetlands International is an International Organisation Partner (IOP) of the Convention.

The IOPs provide invaluable support for the work of the Convention, by providing expert technical advice and field level implementation assistance both from their headquarters units, national, regional offices, affiliates and expert networks.

02/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

African Rivers Joins Global Community in Celebrating World Wetlands Day 2026

Lusaka, Zambia - February 2, 2026 - African Rivers, an international NGO, joins communities worldwide in commemorating World Wetlands Day under the theme "Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage".

Zambia's wetlands, covering nearly 20% of the country's area, are vital ecosystems supporting biodiversity, local livelihoods, and acting as carbon sinks and filters. Notable wetlands include the Barotse Floodplains, Kafue Flats, Bangweulu Swamps, and Lake Tanganyika.

Despite their importance, these wetlands face challenges such as pollution, degradation, and unsustainable land use. To address these issues, African Rivers emphasizes the need for smart partnerships and climate-friendly investments.

This week, African Rivers will lead the planting of over 1,200 trees around the Kafue River Riparian Zones to safeguard riverine ecosystems and improve flood management.

01/02/2026

https://en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br/The-Yellow-River-recreates-its-own-delta-in-China-as-the-country-protects-15-million-hectares-of-coastal-wetlands-against-erosion-and-environmental-collapse-vml97/

With over 1 billion tons of sediment flowing through it annually, the Yellow River recreates its delta in China and supports one of the largest coastal protection projects on the planet.

30/01/2026

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The Secretary General Musonda Mumba will be celebrating in Italy, coinciding with the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Italy’s ratification of the Convention on Wetlands.

For Italy, the Convention on Wetlands entered into force on 14 April 1977. The country currently has 63 , covering a total surface area of 81,091 hectares.

Details:https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/files2026/notizie/draft_programme_wwd2026_itaeng_20260122-1.pdf