Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa in DITCHWE, Mhangura
ZIMBABWE will continue providing diplomatic leadership to the world in the management, protection and restoration of wetlands, drawing from its rich traditional knowledge systems and modern interventions, Government has said.
Through multi-stakeholder participation anchored on traditional leadership and the community, Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to reclaim 250 000 hectares of degraded wetlands by 2030.
This is part of broader targets the country set after assuming the presidency of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar COP15) in Victoria Falls last year.
Zimbabwe seeks to designate 5 new RAMSAR sites to add to the current 7 sites.
Wetlands face increasing pressure from human habitation and activity, with 64 percent of the world’s wetlands having disappeared.
Indications are that the nature’s sponge and source of water supporting about 40 percent of animal and plant life are disappearing three times faster in recent years.
On its part, Zimbabwe stands to lose 20 percent of the remaining Wetlands by 2050 if the current rate of loss outpaces interventions to stop and restore wetlands.
Speaking at this year’s Wetlands Day commemorations at Gute-Ditchwe Wetlands in Mhangura, Environment, Climate and Wildlife permanent secretary Ambassador Tadeous Chifamba hailed the role of traditional leaders in maintaining sustainable ecosystems.
Amb Chifamba said Government, working with communities and other stakeholders, had supported livelihood projects covering 31 082ha countrywide to promote the recovery of wetlands. It has led recovery initiatives at 92 Wetlands under the National Development Strategy 1.
“As Government, we thank our traditional leaders for helping maintain wetlands, which are valuable ecosystems that purify water, regulate floods and support biodiversity,” said Amb Chifamba.
“Government has a strong policy framework to guide sustainable management of Wetlands, including the Environment Management Act, Wetlands Masterplan among others.”
He implored people from constructing on wetlands and respect ecological and legal protection mechanisms that safeguard the ecosystem.
For sustainability, he said, Government was promoting community-led initiatives underwritten by traditional leaders.
Through reorientation of education towards heritage-based learning under Education 5.0, Chinhoyi University has undertaken research and inclusive community participation in the conservation of Gute-Ditchwe Wetlands.
CUT has supported the erection of a fence on 2ha of the wetlands, where at least 250 beehives have been set up.
An Apiculture value chain is expected to be developed towards rural industrialisation and the creation of employment.
Councillor Aniwe Murimbika (Makonde RDC Ward 4) said the community was fully behind the protection of the Gute-Ditchwe Wetlands.
“The wetlands have been a key part of the people’s lives in the Marisa area of Makonde under Chief Nemakonde,” said Cllr Murimbika. “The wetlands sustain life and form part of our sacred places where we conduct our traditional rites and any efforts that support their sustainable use for the benefit of the people are welcome.”
