Online Reporter
Vincent Gono, News Editor
The conservation of water sources in the country has primarily focused on man-made structures such as lakes, dams, and tanks, while natural water sources — especially wetlands — have received insufficient attention. These vital ecological areas, which play a crucial role in feeding rivers and perennial streams, are increasingly disturbed, contributing to the growing threat of climate change.
As human activities encroach upon these vital ecosystems, the need for stringent policies to protect wetlands becomes ever more apparent. Unfortunately, the current state of legislative protection does not seem to be effectively enforced. The law states that it is illegal to cultivate or build on wetlands without approval from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), yet many structures continue to rise in these sensitive areas, raising questions about the applicability of such legislation.
The country possesses robust legal frameworks for wetland protection, including Section 113 of the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27) and Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007, which empowers the minister to designate wetlands as ecologically sensitive areas. However, the prioritization of investment over environmental conservation has led to significant disturbances in these ecosystems, risking both current and future generations’ access to vital resources.
Moreover, the inadequacy of enforcement has been compounded by irresponsible waste disposal practices, which further compromise the health of wetlands. Despite being a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty focused on the protection and sustainable use of wetlands, the country continues to grapple with significant challenges to its wetland ecosystems.
On World Wetlands Day, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Sithembiso Nyoni emphasised the importance of wetlands, highlighting their role in regulating water flows and supporting biodiversity. She asserted that all stakeholders need to understand the ecological significance of these areas, particularly in the context of climate change.
“The degradation of wetlands leads to critical challenges not only for the environment but also for food security due to diminished water resources,” Minister Nyoni stated.
She also urged for collaborative efforts to restore and preserve these habitats, reinforcing the message that the ecological well-being of wetlands is paramount for sustaining the country’s hydrological systems.
“In light of the increased awareness of the consequences of climate change, the restoration of wetlands has become an urgent priority,” she added.
“We must act now to strengthen our ecosystems, ensuring they can continue to provide essential services without further degradation.”
Environmental experts echo the minister’s sentiments, noting that wetlands serve numerous essential functions, such as filtering contaminants, replenishing groundwater supplies, and mitigating flooding risks. The loss of these ecosystems not only threatens biodiversity but also escalates the costs of water treatment, as local authorities resort to using multiple chemicals to purify water.
Climate Change Coordinator Mr Washington Zhakata highlighted the interconnectedness of climate change and wetland degradation, noting that altered precipitation patterns are exacerbating the situation.
“Increased temperatures lead to elevated evaporation rates, diminishing our wetland areas’ capacity to support local flora and fauna,” he said.
Mr Zhakata however, said the recent rains across Zimbabwe have ushered in a new lease of life for the country’s wetlands, which play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.
Traditionally regarded as areas of high ecological value, wetlands in Zimbabwe have faced numerous challenges, from climate change to agricultural expansion.
“The downpours experienced this season bring not only relief but also promise for the future of these critical ecosystems.
“This year’s rainfall patterns have brought significant relief after years of drought and water scarcity that have plagued many regions in Zimbabwe. The downpours have resulted in the replenishment of wetlands, restoring their ecological function and enhancing their ability to support both wildlife and human communities,” said Mr Zhakata.
He said hydrologists and environmental scientists report that many wetlands, especially in regions that were previously parched, have regained their volume, leading to the revival of aquatic flora and fauna.
Rivers and streams that feed into these wetlands have seen increased flows, providing a more consistent water supply that encourages biodiversity.
According to an environmentalist with a local organisation, wetlands hold significant socio-cultural value, with many being revered in local traditions.
“The preservation and restoration of wetlands are not just ecological imperatives but also cultural necessities. In Zimbabwe, wetlands are crucial for the livelihood of many rural communities.
“They are often used for subsistence farming, fishing, and gathering medicinal plants. Moreover, they play a significant role in flood control and water supply, acting as buffers against extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change,” he said.
He called for efforts to protect and rehabilitate wetlands to be strengthened with emphasis on community education and awareness and advocacy for sustainable land-use policies that prioritise the health of these ecosystems as essential to prevent future degradation.
As Zimbabwe navigates the dual challenges of environmental degradation and climate change, it is crucial to recognise the critical importance of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring food security.
“The time to take decisive action to protect and restore these crucial ecosystems is now — for the sake of our environment and future generations,” said the environmentalist.
The recent rains across Zimbabwe have ushered in a new lease of life for the country’s wetlands, which play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. Traditionally regarded as areas of high ecological value, wetlands in Zimbabwe have faced numerous challenges, from climate change to agricultural expansion. However, the downpours experienced this season bring not only relief but also promise for the future of these critical ecosystems.
For local communities that rely on wetlands for agriculture, the renewed moisture means a potential recovery from preceding food shortages. The growth of crops can be sustained through the availability of water, and farmers may find that they can diversify their planting to include more water-intensive varieties, thus enhancing food security.
Community engagement is essential in this process where sustainable water management practices should be promoted to ensure that the wetlands are utilised efficiently and responsibly, balancing human needs with ecological health.
Bongani Ndlovu