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Post Reporter
COMMUNITIES in Manicaland have been called upon to take practical and effective action in restoring wetlands across the province to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands for human and planetary benefit.
World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on February 2 and this year’s commemorations are running under the theme: “It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration”.
Joining the rest of the country and the world for today’s commemorations, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) publicity officer for Manicaland, Ms Alice Rutsvara reiterated the importance of wetlands, highlighting that they are a valuable component in the ecosystem.
“Today, we are commemorating World Wetlands Day in order to raise national and global awareness about wetlands and the need to prevent their rapid loss by encouraging actions to conserve them. Wetlands are important in the ecosystem and as suggested by this year’s theme, it is time to restore them.
“In rehabilitating the wetlands, we are working closely with communities where these are found so that we sensitise the people on the need and importance of protecting and restoring wetlands,” she said.
Ms Rutsvara said some of the benefits people derive from wetlands include flood control, groundwater replenishment, shoreline stabilisation and storm protection.
Online Reporter