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Mutsawashe Mashandure
Herald Correspondent
As Zimbabwe prepares to commemorate World Wetlands Day on February 2, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has said developers operating without valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificates face legal action.
This year, the day will be commemorated under the theme “Wetlands Action for People and Planet”.
The theme aligns with the global Ramsar Convention’s mission to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, EMA spokesperson Ms Amkela Sidange said the agency is committed to promoting preservation efforts to protect wetlands.
“Together with our stakeholders, we will conduct awareness campaigns to educate people on the crucial role played by wetlands in our lives,” she said.
“Wetlands perform critical functions, including protecting us from floods, droughts, and other disasters. They provide food and livelihoods to millions of people, support rich biodiversity and store more carbon than any other ecosystem.
They remain vital to human existence,” she explained.
Ms Sidange urged stakeholders to keep the environment clean.
“We do not want a repeat of what happened at Lake Chivero, where pollution, primarily from raw sewage, posed significant health risks to humans and animals,” she said.
“If we work together to keep our wetlands reserved and clean, we will avoid such situations.
“It is not only EMA’s duty but everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can restore and protect Zimbabwe’s wetlands.”
Online Reporter