Govt must protect, preserve wetlands

ON World Wetlands Day, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) calls upon policymakers, local and central government, to make concerted and coordinated efforts to develop and implement action plans to stop the ongoing degradation of wetlands and protect, preserve and restore them.

Wetlands are critical in the water cycle, providing freshwater for many people around the world. Wetlands store water throughout the rainy season, preventing flooding and runoff carrying pollutants which cause siltation of water sources.

The wetlands store the water, replenish ground aquifers, and slowly release it into streams and river systems around cities in dry season until it finds its way into the major water sources supplying the cities.

Without wetlands, these water sources would quickly run dry in winter months and poor rainy seasons, causing major water shortages. Wetlands also act as natural filters for pollutants and provide safe drinking water as a result. The water found in wetlands supports agriculture and aquaculture, thereby providing income and sustenance for millions of people across the globe.

In Zimbabwe, the loss of wetlands was mainly caused by human activities and mismanagement. In particular, the drainage of wetlands to pave way for human settlements, industrial activity and agriculture has caused wetlands to disappear rapidly.

Across the country, some local authorities and land barons ignore the need to protect wetlands by approving housing developments on wetlands despite the existence of domestic and international laws against such conduct.

This proved to be disastrous for some residents, as their houses have been flooded and destroyed with some local authorities having the temerity to blame residents for constructing houses on wetlands instead of providing progressive solutions. For several years, ZLHR and its partners have consistently challenged such conduct by local authorities, non-State actors and other government departments and ministries in the courts. Many notable successes have been recorded in our bid to preserve and protect wetlands.

Government must develop sustainable strategies for the protection and restoration of wetlands. This is a human rights issue that requires a human rights-based solution.

To protect and restore wetlands and secure the availability of freshwater for present and future generations, ZLHR urges local and central governments to;

•Stop destroying and start restoring wetlands;

•Commit to the maintenance of the ecological character of wetlands that are considered to be Wetlands of International Importance or Ramsar Sites;

•Increase awareness about the importance of conserving wetlands through educational campaigns through the media;

•Immediately stop approving housing developments on wetlands;