#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.