admin“This day marks the signing of the Treaty on the Conservation of wetlands on 2 February in Ramsar, Iran. The Treaty became popularly known as the Ramsar Convention and its major aim is to raise public awareness on conservation, proper utilisation and management of wetlands,” said Minister Nhema.
He said wetland ecosystems were part of the country’s natural wealth, adding that at a worldwide scale, they provide services worth millions of US dollars every year — entirely free of charge — making a vital contribution to human health and well being.
Minister Nhema said: “Given the important roles that wetlands play in our daily lives, it is critical for all of us to take stock of our actions on wetlands and evaluate them if we are not to contribute to their degradation.
“Failure to do so spells doom for mankind. We have a heritage to protect for our future generations.”
He said he had noted with great concern that over the last few years, there has been a marked wetland degradation caused by local authorities who discharge raw and partially treated sewage into them.
Minister Nhema said with the global population set to increase to nine billion by 2050, the increasing pressure on water resources and the threats posed by climate change call for urgent need to maximise people’s efforts in the conservation and management of wetlands.
“Inland wetlands such as rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes perform a vital function in filtering and purifying fresh water by locking up pollutants in their sediments, soils and vegetation.
“They also provide a valuable service for human populations today when millions of people lack access to clean water supplies. Wetlands can provide us with clean water if we keep them healthy through sustainable management,” he said.
The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Engineer Walter Mzembi, said it was of great importance that the need to conserve and maintain the country’s natural resources was incalculated in people as they visit “our” attractions.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mr Rockford Nyamakura, director finance, administration and human resources in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Eng Mzembi said according to the World Tourism Organisation, everyone was a potential tourist.
“The moment you travel from your usual place of residence and stay in the visited place for at least one night, not being remunerated for any activity undertaken in the area visited, you become a tourist,” he said.
“Ensuring well-managed tourism practices in and around wetlands and educating tourists on the value of wetlands contributes to the health of the country’s wetlands and long-term benefits that wetlands provide to people, wildlife and the economy as a whole.”
Online Reporter