ActionAid Zimbabwe calls for robust enforcement of laws and policies that protect and preserve wetlands in Zimbabwe.

Press Statement

ActionAid Zimbabwe calls for robust enforcement of laws and policies that protect and preserve wetlands in Zimbabwe.

ActionAid Zimbabwe (AAZ) stands in solidarity with the global community as we commemorate World Wetlands Day, reaffirming our strong commitment to confronting the injustices that arise from inadequate protection and preservation of wetlands. This year’s observance is especially timely as Zimbabwe prepares to host COP15 of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Victoria Falls from July 23 to 31, 2025.

The theme for this year, "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future," underscores the urgent need to safeguard these critical ecosystems, which are disappearing at a rate three times faster than forests. This alarming loss poses significant challenges, particularly for vulnerable communities, as they grapple with the intensifying effects of climate change. For example, wetlands, which play a crucial role in water management, flood mitigation, and biodiversity support, are struggling to function effectively due to unauthorized activities, leaving communities vulnerable.

AAZ commends the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) for its ongoing efforts in establishing comprehensive laws, regulations, and policies to protect and preserve the country’s wetlands. Zimbabwe has been a party to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands since May 2013 and has demonstrated its commitment to wetland conservation through key legislative measures, including the 2006 Environmental Management Act, the 2007 Environmental Assessment and Ecosystem Protection Regulations, and the 2022 National Wetland Policy and Wetland Management Guidelines. These frameworks align with Section 73 of the 2013 National Constitution, which emphasizes the importance of environmental protection, and are also consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, AAZ stresses that for these policies to be truly effective, strong and consistent enforcement is vital.

Therefore, AAZ urges the Government of Zimbabwe to:

• Strengthen the enforcement of laws and policies aimed at protecting and preserving wetlands in both urban and rural areas.

• Act swiftly to address illegal settlements in wetlands and provide alternative areas for displaced people.

• Empower relevant government agencies mandated to preserve wetlands, such as the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), through increased budget allocation.

• Implement punitive measures against the industrial sector that pollutes the wetlands.

• Create awareness platforms on policies to inform communities about the impacts of settling in wetlands.

 ENDS//

For further inquiries please contact ActionAid Zimbabwe Country Director, Joy Mabenge:

Email: joy.mabenge@actionaid.org

Mobile: +263 772904479

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActionAidZim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActionAidZimbabwe/

Website: https://zimbabwe.actionaid.org/