Zim commemorates Wetlands Day

Herald Reporter

Zimbabwe will today join the rest of the world in commemorating the World Wetlands Day to raise public awareness on conservation, proper utilisation and management of wetlands and their resources.

February 2, which marks the signing of the Treaty on the Conservation of Wetlands, was signed on February 2, 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.

The Treaty became popularly known as the Ramsar Convention.

Environmental Management Agency’s manager responsible for environment and education, Ms Amkela Sidange, said this year’s commemorations will be held under the global theme: “Water and Wetlands – Inseparable for Life”.

“The country is commemorating the day when incessant rains currently being received countrywide are causing massive flooding affecting mostly settlements built on wetlands, giving a clarion call to the citizens that wetlands remain ecologically sensitive areas whose protection remains critical, both for the integrity of the environment; and safety and health of the public,” she said.

“The theme is impressing on the importance of wetlands as sources of water, among other numerous benefits. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the day will be commemorated on virtual platforms to avoid gathering of people in compliance with guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. The Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. NM Ndhlovu (MP), is expected to issue a statement to mark the commemoration of the day.”

Ms Sidange said EMA was working together with partners and had lined up numerous virtual meetings for stakeholders at national, provincial and district levels to discuss issues pertinent in the sustainable management of wetlands in their localities.

The agency will also make use of numerous local whatsapp groups to reach out to communities, including those in rural areas where there is internet connectivity, through grass root institutions such as Environment Sub Committees and Environment Resource Monitors. Mainstream media platforms will also be used for the same.