Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
THE recent gazetting of 20 wetlands in Manicaland by Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, has been welcomed as a positive move that underscores the Government’s commitment to conservation and preservation.
Manicaland, known for its lush landscapes and abundant water resources, has been facing increasing pressure on its wetlands due to human activities such as agriculture, mining and urbanisation.
Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating water cycles and supporting livelihoods.
The gazetting of these wetlands means they are now officially recognised and protected by the law.
The gazetted ecologically sensitive areas are mainly in Mutare City, where wetlands were invaded for the construction of buildings and urban agriculture.
The gazetted areas include Acid Chikanga, Cecil Kop, Chikanga Extension, Chikanga Primary School, Chikanga Victory, Federation, Fair Bridge Park, Florida Extension, Salvation Army Chikanga and Sakubva Nyakamete.
Also gazetted are Pegasus, Murambi, Morningside, Gimboki South, Greenside Extension, Gimboki Madhumbe, Gimboki 1 and Florida Infill.
Nyachowa Falls and Mapembe under the Mutare Rural District Council were also gazetted.
This move prohibits any activities that could harm these ecosystems, including unregulated agriculture and mining, construction and infrastructure development and pollution and waste dumping.
Protection of these wetlands will help maintain ecological balance, support biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
Communities dependent on these wetlands for their livelihoods will benefit from sustainable management and potential eco-tourism opportunities. Wetlands act as carbon sinks and protecting them can contribute to Zimbabwe’s climate change mitigation efforts.
Environmental expert and Climate Action Network Zimbabwe national coordinator, Mr Wellington Madumira, said this shows the Government’s commitment to preserving the environment.
He also called for multi-stakeholder approach that prioritises nearby communities in the protection of ecologically sensitive areas.
“The gazetting of wetlands by the Government of Zimbabwe is a positive and necessary step towards environmental protection and sustainable development.
“However, protection must go hand-in-hand with community involvement. Communities should be partners, not excluded stakeholders.
“Awareness campaigns are essential so that people understand why wetlands are protected and how they can benefit legally. Alternative livelihoods should be promoted to reduce pressure on wetlands.
“Strong collaboration between Government, local authorities, traditional leaders and communities is critical for success. Wetlands are not wastelands, they are life support systems. Protecting them ensures water security, livelihoods and biodiversity conservation and climate resilience for present and future generations in Zimbabwe,” said Mr Madumira.
Mr Madumira added that illegal activities on wetlands deprive communities of viable livelihoods, while causing serious climatic problems, such as drying up of wells and rivers.
“When wetlands are properly managed and protected, communities can benefit in several sustainable and carry out permitted fishing and aquaculture activities. Reed harvesting for mats, baskets and roofing.
“Beekeeping and harvesting of wild fruits and medicinal plants. Wetlands provide water for domestic and agricultural use. They are source of reliable water for livestock and small-scale irrigation.
“They support nutrition gardens that improve household food security. Healthy wetlands help communities cope with droughts, floods and water shortages, thereby mitigating vulnerability.
“Illegal activities severely undermine wetland functions and erode community benefits. Illegal cultivation, sand mining and construction destroy vegetation and soil structure.
“This leads to erosion, siltation of rivers and loss of biodiversity. Draining wetlands reduces groundwater recharge, causing wells and rivers to dry up,” he said.
Mutare City Council spokesperson, Mr Charles Sadondo, said the local authority has been battling illegal activities on open spaces, most of them wetlands, where some residents are partaking in illegal urban agriculture.
He believes the gazetting of the ecologically sensitive areas will come as a huge relief, as other State agencies will now assist them in protecting the environment.
