Lovemore Lubinda/Zimbabwe has exceptional environment stewardship policies and legislation, to promote the sustainable utilisation of natural resources and protection of wetlands in particular, but lacks application environmentalists say.
The environmentalists came to this conclusion a few weeks after the nation joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Environment Day. In Harare the celebrations were held at Mukuvisi Woodlands, where participants stressed the need to safe guard the country’s wetlands.
On the 5th of June every year the world celebrates the World Environment Day that was proclaimed in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly after growing concerns on environmental degradation, with the aim to encourage worldwide awareness and promote sound environmental stewardship. This year the day was commemorated under the theme ‘Go wild for life-Save the environment’.
Environment Africa chief executive officer Charlene Hewat says the country has brilliant laws and policies on environmental protection but lacks proper application. She adds that no matter what the reason may be; wetlands should not be tampered with at all as this will disturb the natural order of things.
“Wetlands are critical for our survival, have countless benefits from freshwater supply, food, flood control, and groundwater recharge among others. Yet we are destroying the very thing that gives us life. We want development however, the question is at what cost?” she queried.
Shopping malls, cluster homes, and offices are some of the uses being proposed on wetlands. The good examples are of the Long Cheng Plaza built on the wetland adjacent to the National Sport Stadium and Borrowdale vlei where construction is currently underway.
Zimbabwe just like the whole region is facing a decline in fresh water supplies, especially in urban areas largely attributed to climate change and environmental degradation.
Birdlife Zimbabwe chief executive officer, Julia Pierini concurs with Hewat that the country’s efforts on environmental protection and conservation is being undermined by the current unsustainable utilisation of wetlands across the country.
“The main causes of the degradation and loss of wetlands are major changes in land use, especially infrastructural development. As a result access to safe water is declining, compounded by climate change, this is bound to get worse if action is not taken to stop the rot,” she says.
In an interview, Director of Environment in the Ministry of Environment Water and Climate, Irvin Kunene, said it is government’s position that wetlandsbe utilised sustainably adding that they are vital for the survival mankind.
“When infrastructure has to built on wetlands, then technology has to come into play, so that the environment is not ruined,” he said.
Asked what measures are there to guard Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs), from developer manipulation, he said that is not possible because the assessments are carried out in conjunction with EMA, the country’s environmental watchdog.
“EIAs point out the procedures and how they should be taken. If clearly followed and in accordance with the governing laws, there wouldn’t be a problem,” he said.
The Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27) and Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 Environmental Management (EIA and Ecosystems Protection Regulations) govern wetland utilisation in Zimbabwe.
The Act prohibits the disturbance of the natural balance on wetlands by cutting of trees, shrubs and other vegetation.