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Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
GOVERNMENT ministries and stakeholders have been urged to mainstream wetland management programmes in their day-to-day activities as part of efforts to preserve the environment in the wake of recurring natural disasters.
World Wetlands Day is commemorated on February 2 and provides an opportunity to engage all stakeholders in an effort to protect the world’s wetlands.
Speaking during the belated World Wetlands Day commemorations held at Mukombiwani Secondary School in Chimanimani last week, the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere who was represented by Chimanimani District Development Coordinator, Mr Joseph Manyurapasi, commended Government for honouring its commitment towards the protection of wetlands across the country.
“I urge all sector ministries and relevant arms of Government to mainstream wetland management in their programming.
“All relevant institutions should develop and implement local management plans for the protection and restoration of degraded wetlands, while all citizens should likewise also take up the sustainable management of wetlands as their responsibility,” she said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Manicaland Environmental Manager, Mr Kingston Chitotombe said the commemorations were held at a time when there is growing concern over the abuse of the environment.
“We are still facing challenges of massive veld fires in the province due to timber harvesting. We are also faced with abuse of wetlands and riverbank cultivation, especially in dry areas.
“We are appealing to the general community to play its part as well as urge our law enforcement agencies and the traditional leadership to take action against offenders,” said Mr Chitotombe.
Online Reporter