Villagers urged to intensify conservation of Hozhe Wetland

VILLAGERS in Mberengwa District have been urged to step up efforts to conserve Hozhe Wetland, a critical ecosystem that supports biodiversity, water security and rural livelihoods.

The call was made during recent World Wetlands Day commemorations held in Cheshanga Village, where community members converged to discuss sustainable wetland protection amid growing environmental pressures.

Assistant district development coordinator Mr Arnold Magaya said Hozhe Wetland plays a vital role in food security, domestic water supply and climate resilience in the district.

“We call upon villagers in Ward 11, Cheshanga, to intensify efforts to conserve the Hozhe Wetland, which is a vital natural resource that has sustained livelihoods across generations, remains central to food security, water supply and climate resilience in the area,” he said.

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems globally, serving as natural water filters, flood buffers and carbon sinks, while also sustaining year round agricultural production and household water needs.

Mr Magaya said the degradation of wetlands poses a serious threat to farming activities, livestock production and daily household functions in rural areas.

“I encourage you to conserve your wetlands because that is where we get our food, water to drink and water for agricultural purposes. If wetlands are degraded, we will struggle to farm, feed our families and carry out basic household chores,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of traditional leaders in protecting natural resources and promoting responsible land use practices.

Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Midlands provincial spokesperson Mr Oswell Ndlovu said this year’s World Wetlands Day theme — “Wetlands and traditional knowledge, celebrating cultural heritage” — underscores the value of indigenous conservation methods.

“This wetland has water throughout the year, even when other areas dry up. That alone shows how important it is to protect it,” he said.

Mr Ndlovu warned residents against cultivating gardens within wetlands, describing the practice as one of the leading causes of environmental degradation.

Local ward councillor Mr Pardon Mbondiya said wetland encroachment remains a major concern, with some residents grazing livestock and establishing gardens inside protected areas.

“Some people do not fully understand the importance of wetlands and do not respect them. Livestock are driven into the wetland, causing serious damage,” he said.

Clr Mbondiya said plans were underway to fence off Hozhe Wetland to strengthen protection measures, while the Presidential Borehole Scheme would provide alternative water sources to reduce reliance on wetland based gardening.

He said the Presidential Borehole Scheme would enable communities to shift away from wetland gardening by availing alternative water supplies.

Mberengwa Rural District Council environmental health technician Ms Rutendo Mashaya said proper wetland conservation could also unlock tourism opportunities for the district.

“We have another wetland in Ward 30, Nyororo, which was revamped and is now serving the community well. We want Mberengwa to have a tourist attraction so that the district is on the map,” she said.

Ms Mashaya cautioned traditional leaders against allocating land in wetlands, grazing zones and stream banks, adding that authorities will continue to enforce environmental laws.

The conservation initiative also aligns with national environmental protection objectives under Vision 2030, which prioritises sustainable natural resource management and enhanced climate resilience.