adminThe Environmental Management Agency being a statutory body responsible for promoting the sustainable utilisation of natural resources and environmental protection observes nine environmental days (7 international and 2 national). International observance, also known as an international dedication or an international anniversary is a period of time to observe some issue of international interest or concern. This is used to commemorate, promote and mobilise for action. Many of these periods have been established by the United Nations General Assembly.
The Agency uses these days to reach out to the public by way of raising awareness on environmental issues as well as remind the nation that environmental stewardship is everyone’s responsibility.
World Wetlands Day (WWD)
It marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands, called Ramsar Convention, on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar.
The Ramsar Convention is an inter-governmental treaty to promote national action and international operation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. There are presently 159 Contracting Parties to the Convention with 1849 wetlands sites, totalling more than 181 million hectares. Zimbabwe is signatory to the Ramsar Convention with 7 sites protected under the convention namely the Victoria Falls, Driefontein Grasslands, Middle Zambezi/Mana Pools, Lake Chivero, MonavaleVlei, Chinhoyi Caves and Cleverland Dam. WWD was celebrated for the first time in 1997 and made an encouraging beginning.
Each year, Government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular.
Wetlands are often thought of only in terms of their hydrological importance, but they also hold cultural significance. Many cultures have developed traditional practices and belief systems for regulating the use of wetlands to protect these valuable ecosystems.
Wetlands are also known as vleis, bogs, swamps, marshes, dambos or sponges are regarded as some of the most productive ecosystems in the world because they serve as sponges that regulate river flow, they provide habitats for a variety of plant and animal species and they help to absorb silt and cleanse water of pollutants.
Wetlands are at risk all around the world due to practices of draining the land for alternative use. Construction of dams, removal of plants, waste water pumped into the area by industries, seepage of agricultural fertilizers and mining are all threats to these sensitive ecosystems.
Africa Environment Day
A day set aside by African Union and is commemorated on the 3rd of March every year in order to heighten public awareness on issues linked to environmental conservation. Africa is one of the continents that is most exposed to the harmful effects of climate change, and consequently, the disruption of ecosystems.
The minister of Environment and Natural Resources Management choose any thematic area to focus on in a given year. This ranges from waste management, veldt fires, gold panning, and deforestation among others.
World Water Day
World Water Day has been observed on 22 March since 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly declared 22 March as “World Day for Water”.
This day was first formally proposed in Agenda 21 of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Observance began in 1993 and has grown significantly ever since; for the general public to show support, it is encouraged for the public to not use their taps throughout the day. The day has also become a popular Facebook trend.
The UN and its member nations devote this day to implementing UN recommendations and promoting concrete activities within their countries regarding the world’s water resources. Each year, one of various UN agencies involved in water issues takes the lead in promoting and coordinating international activities for World Water Day. Since its inception in 2003, UN-Water has been responsible for selecting the theme, messages and lead UN agency for the World Day for Water.
In addition to the UN member states, a number of NGOs promoting clean water and sustainable aquatic habitats have used World Day for Water as a time to focus public attention on the critical water issues of our era. Every three years since 1997, for instance, the World Water Council has drawn thousands to participate in its World Water Forum during the week of World Day for Water.
Participating agencies and NGOs have highlighted issues such as a billion people being without access to safe water for drinking and the role of gender in family access to safe water yet 1500 cubic kilometres of waste water are produced each year around the world, while in developing countries 80 percent of waste water is discharged untreated. Clean water is essential to the health and sustainability of the environment, people and agriculture. Increasing demand due to factors such as population growth is putting enormous pressure on this scarce but precious resource.
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Online Reporter