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World Wetlands Day #ZimbabweProtectingWetlands |
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by Makomborero Muzunde | 18-02-2021 22:10
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#LetsProtectWetlands, trended on social media and other traditional media platforms as Zimbabwe join the world to commemorate the World Wetlands Day 2021 on the 2nd February. The theme for 2021 was, “Wetlands and Water”, this to remind people to contribute to wetland protection and restoration so that we can sustainably benefit from them. #RestoreWetlands #zoneshumides2021GE in support of the theme that we need to do something or something will happen. The 2020/21 rain season has brought many issues to the surface that were happening in Zimbabwe. People lost their homes and properties due to flooding that was experienced in the country. Before the rainy season the meteorological department had forecast a normal to above normal rain season in the land. There was Cyclone Eloise which brought high rainfall in most parts of the country. Most flooding was experienced by those who are residing on wetlands. Housing stands were allocated on wetlands and people built their houses in wetlands. The urban council and land barons had been under fire from the activists and residents because of the houses which are hit by the flash floods. People during this rain season became aware of the dangers of housing in wetland areas. People need education to be able to understand the importance of wetlands. Wetlands benefit us through the provision of habitats to nature, regulating climate through absorbing carbon, providing food and cleaning and storing fresh water. As humanity we are doing more harm than good to the beautiful and supporting wetlands. “At least 61% of wetlands in Zimbabwe are moderately degraded and the country is likely to lose its entire natural water reservoirs by 2040 if efforts to conserve them are not strengthened”, said the current Environment Minister, Honorable Ndlovu. The level of destruction is quite alarming as our lives depend heavily on the wetlands. All the flooding that happened acted as ‘a blessing in disguise’, as the Government has awakened from its slumber. The toothless bull dog Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is also showing signs of seriousness with the law as shown with this story on The Herald Zimbabwe’s daily paper, “EMA has fined Pannar Seeds ZWL$60 000 for planting maize on a wetland along Harare Drive. The seed company was fined after it breached an order that was issued by EMA to seed companies before the rainy season warning them to desist from planting on wetlands.” Although the fines are not slapping hard we acknowledge the effort to enforce the regulation, thus there is need for a fine review by the agency. Furthermore, the government is in the process of drafting Zimbabwe’s Wetlands Policy to ensure the protection of wetlands and desist housing and infrastructure on wetlands.
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5 Comments
Hello Makomborero!
It's your SJ mentor.
I hope you are doing well.
Thank you for writing an article that shows the importance of wetlands and environmental issues in Zimbabwe.
Rather than developing wetlands and constructing houses and buildings, it seems important to make efforts to preserve wetlands.
In the first place, wetlands have weak ground and are vulnerable to floods or heavy rains.
As you said, wetlands play an infinite role on Earth.
It is time for efforts to preserve and maintain natural wetlands.
Green cheers!
Best regards,
SJ mentor.
Posted 24-02-2021 23:58
Hello Makomborero,
this is your mentor WooJoo.
Warm greetings from South Korea.
Thank you for sharing current concerns ongoing in Zimbabwe, regarding the protection of Wetlands.
I see that many of our Ambassadors have a great interest on the Wetland Day! That is so good! :)
It is sad that big parts of deterioration of wetlands are due to human action, but also we are the only ones that can restore them.
Last year, South Korea also experienced one of the most powerful rain season, which all are evidences of climate changes.
I agree that first of all, education is very important before starting any protection actitivy in order to learn proper ways to work for the environment, how serious are the situations now, and to know what is good and bad for the wetlands.
Fining might be helpful, but it might be instant. Hopefully stricter regulations, and educations are done so that people increase their awarenes.
Keep writing
Regards,
WooJoo
Posted 21-02-2021 22:19
We all have united together to preserve wetlands from our side.
#Lets preserve wetlands
Posted 21-02-2021 19:58
In my country, because the landforms are largely covered in plains or mountains, the protection of wetland environments isn't something that's normally discussed just for our lack of awareness about their existence! But it's heartening to see that the residents of Zimbabwe are working hard to protect this unique facet of their ecosystem from damage. Go #LetsProtectWetlands!
Posted 21-02-2021 00:40
#LetsProtectWetlands
Good Job
Thanks for sharing
Posted 19-02-2021 00:55