Government has called for a coordinated, whole-of-community approach to protecting and rehabilitating Zimbabwe’s wetlands, as the nation targets restoring 250 000 hectares of degraded wetlands by 2030.
The call was made as Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world on Monday in marking World Wetlands Day, amid mounting concern over the continued destruction of wetlands through illegal settlements, farming activities and unchecked land degradation. Wetlands, often described as nature’s natural water filters, are essential for water purification, flood control, biodiversity conservation and sustaining rural livelihoods. Authorities warn that persistent encroachment is stripping these ecosystems of their ecological and economic value.
Government officials and environmental stakeholders highlighted the importance of adopting a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach to environmental protection.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Ambassador Tedious Chifamba, underscored Zimbabwe’s commitments, stating:
“Zimbabwe has committed to restoring 250 000 hectares of degraded wetlands and to designate five new Ramsar sites by 2030, adding to the seven we already have. Achieving these commitments requires collective action from all sectors, Government, private sector, civil society, academia and local communities.”
Permanent Secretary for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Josphat Jaji, cautioned communities against encroaching on wetlands, warning of the dangers posed by their degradation.
“When wetlands are built upon or degraded, their natural ability to absorb excess water is lost, leaving communities vulnerable. I therefore urge all citizens to refrain from constructing wetlands and to respect the ecological and legal protection that safeguards these vital ecosystems,” he said.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) also stressed the need to consider wildlife in wetland restoration efforts.
IFAW Communications Officer, Luckmore Safuli, said we recently launched a report entitled ‘Taking Animals Into Account’, highlighting the critical role that wildlife also plays in the preservation of our wetlands. As we continue to discuss ways of restoring our wetlands, let us also take into account the role that wildlife plays.”
Environmental groups echoed the importance of community involvement, noting that conservation efforts cannot succeed without local participation.
Executive Director for The Conservation Conversation, Rumbidzai Takawira, highlighted that communities are the lifeblood of environmental protection and conservation.
“If we are not working with the communities, then we are not really doing anything. They are the custodians and the guardians. If we are talking about wetlands, they are the ones who live around these areas and they also gain benefits from living around these areas,” she said.
Traditional leaders reiterated their commitment to safeguarding wetlands, emphasising the role of community leadership in environmental conservation.
Chief Nemakonde urged village heads to act decisively, saying, “As traditional leaders, we will continue to play our part in preserving our wetlands and culture. We continue to implore our village heads to punish those caught destroying and evading our forests.”
Chief Ngezi added a warning against illegal land sales, stressing the cultural and environmental importance of wetlands.
“We continue to warn our village heads to desist from illegally selling land, especially grazing lands and wetlands. They also carry deep significance and occupy space in our cultural norms and beliefs,” he said.
As the world commemorates World Wetlands Day, Zimbabwe’s message remains clear: protecting wetlands is synonymous with protecting life. From supporting biodiversity and water systems to sustaining livelihoods and strengthening climate resilience, wetlands remain indispensable to the country’s environmental and economic future.
