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Nokuthaba Brita Ncube, [email protected]

THE Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (Zela) has commended Government for developing a National Wetlands Policy and National Guidelines for the Management and Conservation of Wetlands Ecosystems, aimed at protecting and sustaining local wetlands.

In a statement marking World Wetlands Day on February 2, Zela urged authorities to finalise the Draft Zimbabwe Wetlands Policy to ensure the inclusion of stronger legal and institutional frameworks for wetland conservation.

This year’s theme, “Protecting Wetlands for a Common Future,” aligns with the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding wetlands for present and future generations.

“Zela applauds the Government of Zimbabwe for the development of a country Wetlands Policy and National Guidelines for the Management and Conservation of Wetland Ecosystems. Yet we call for finalisation of the Wetlands Policy to ensure it includes robust measures for the protection and sustainable use of wetlands,” read the statement.

Since ratifying the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2012, Zimbabwe has designated seven wetlands as internationally important sites. However, Zela emphasised the need for continued advocacy and action to strengthen wetland governance and protection, ahead of the upcoming 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15).

Despite policy advancements, wetlands in the country continue to face threats from human activities, including urban expansion, agriculture and illegal developments.

Zela said strong institutional and legal framework is crucial to ensuring the wise and integrated management of wetlands, particularly Ramsar sites, which require special protection.

Zela also called for a review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, advocating for a more comprehensive approach that considers biodiversity and ecological factors.

“The current penalties for activities that harm wetlands are insufficient to deter degradation. Fines must be increased to reflect the urgency of protecting these critical ecosystems,” stated the organisation.

Zela also urged all stakeholders involved in wetland management—including Government agencies, local authorities and conservation groups—to work together to overcome institutional challenges and conflicts that hinder conservation efforts.

Zela stressed that wetlands are not just natural resources but essential components of the environment that support biodiversity by providing habitats for various plant and animal species, providing clean water by filtering pollutants and replenishing groundwater, and contributing to climate resilience by regulating water flow and reducing the risk of floods and droughts.

The organisation called on the public, private sector, and policymakers to ensure wetlands are recognised, valued and protected for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.

Each year, Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in observing World Wetlands Day to promote the efficient conservation and legal protection of wetlands, which are increasingly threatened by unsustainable human activities.

Zela urged collaborative efforts among stakeholders to secure a future where wetlands thrive and ecosystems flourish, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s natural heritage is preserved for generations to come.