Wetlands role in boosting tourism hailed

Marozva Village in Bikita last week, Dr Kasese said communities must, however, embrace best practice by preserving wetlands, as they attracted local investment in local and foreign tourism.
“The existence of Rozva Dam here attracted local investors in the tourism industry and they invested their money in this community following a realisation that the dam is ideal for leisure and tourism.
“It is every community member’s responsibility, from upstream down to this dam and farther downstream to realise more and more services from these natural and artificial water bodies,” said Dr Kasese, who was also the guest of honour.
Dr Kasese, who is also the chief executive officer of Regency Hotel and Leisure Group, urged communities to utilise water bodies wisely.
“I call upon all communities to utilise both natural and artificial water bodies to their competitive advantage. However, you should bear in mind that wetlands are very fragile and sensitive.
“This explains why EMA prosecutes all those caught practising streambank and wetland cultivation.
“The mandate of EMA is to ensure protection of these natural wetlands, and promotion of sustainable wetland utilisation,” he said.
He said wetlands played a number of pivotal roles in tourism such as providing water for wildlife in addition to supporting the flourishing of biodiversity.
“Wetlands provide recreation and maintenance of scenic views. They also recharge natural and artificial water bodies such as streams, rivers, dams and lakes with water flowing passing spectacular waterfalls and dam walls through spillways or floodgates.”
Speaking at the same occasion, Masvingo Information Publicity Association officer Mr Daniel Mumpande explained how wetlands supported eco-tourism.
“Wetlands like Rozva Dam support eco-tourism, which is a responsible travel to natural areas that conserve environment and sustains the well-being of local people.”
Eco-tourism may also be defined as a sub-category of sustainable tourism, as it is environmentally, culturally and economically beneficial.
Wetlands Day was mooted by world leaders in 1971, in Iran, where leaders met at Ramsar and came up with the Ramsar Convention.
Wetlands are defined as areas of marsh, fen peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brack or salt.
The World Wetlands Day celebrations were held under the theme “Wetlands and Tourism – My responsibility, my leisure”.