adminimpact of land use changes, Environment and Natural Resources Management Minister Francis Nhema has said.
Speaking at the World Wetlands Day commemorations at Malilangombe Village in Matobo District yesterday, Minister Nhema said the role of wetlands should not be underestimated as they were a basic water management element.
He said by 2025 about 1,8 billion people would be living in countries or regions with water shortages due to degradation and loss of wetlands.
“By 2025, 1,8 billion people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two thirds of the world populations could be under water stress conditions. Wetlands are the earth’s natural water infrastructure, providing a clean source of fresh water,” said Minister Nhema.
“The loss and degradation directly compromises human well-being and impacts from changes in land use, water diversions and infrastructure development continue to drive the degradation and loss of wetlands.”
“Wetlands deliver essential ecosystem services, including acting as regulators and providers of water. Thus water management and wise use of wetlands are inextricably linked. Access to a clean and adequate supply of water is a basic requirement for human survival.
“We should not underestimate the role of wetlands as basic water management elements within the supply and regulation process upon which humanity depends,” said Minister Nhema.
He said the key objective of this year’s World Wetlands Day was to raise people’s awareness of the interdependence between water and wetlands.
“World Wetlands Day also highlights ways to ensure the equitable sharing of water between different stakeholder groups and to give the community the understanding that without wetlands there would be no water.
“Without the appropriate management of wetlands there is no water of the right quality and quantity, where and when it is needed,” said Minister Nhema.
World Wetland Day marks the signing of an agreement on the conservation of wetlands which was signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
The agreement became popularly known as the Ramsar Convention and its major aim is to raise public awareness on conservation, proper utilisation and management of wetlands and their resources.
Minister Nhema said Malilangombe Wetland was protected by the traditional norms, values and beliefs and had always been maintained in pristine condition.
The commemorations were held under the theme “Wetlands take care of water, let us take care of them”, while the running theme message is “Wetlands take care of water”.
Ramsar Convention secretary general Sir Anada Tiega, Matabeleland South Governor Angeline Masuku, Deputy Senate president Cde Naison Ndlovu, members of the environment management board and Government officials attended the occasion.
Online Reporter