The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has challenged the government and stakeholders to combat wetland degradation amid concerns over an upsurge in land barons parcelling out such land to homeseekers especially in urban areas.
In a statement during the celebration of the Wetlands Day on Friday last week, ZLHR called for the conservation and restoration of wetlands which are critical to the survival of the ecosystem and sources of water.
The World Wetlands Day is commemorated annually on February 2 and it is recognised as a United Nations International Day of Importance.
It is celebrated to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance commonly known as the Ramsar Convention in Ramsar, Iran.
The World Wetlands Day was commemorated under the theme Wetlands and Human Wellbeing.
ZLHR said while wetlands were critical to the survival of ecosystems and water sources, it expressed concern over Zimbabwe’s challenge amid the degradation and decimation of wetlands.
“Unrepented local authorities and some so-called land barons have been the major culprits in ignoring the need to protect wetlands by approving housing developments on wetlands despite the existence of many domestic and international laws against such conduct,” ZHRL said.
“Unsurprisingly, the result has been disastrous for some innocent residents, who were displaced after their houses were flooded and destroyed as happened in December 2023 in some parts of Harare, Chitungwiza and Mutare.”
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The lawyers also expressed concern that instead of shouldering the blame, some local authorities had the audacity to blame residents for constructing houses on wetlands rather than providing progressive and lasting solutions.
“Despite these setbacks, ZLHR and its co-operating partners stand proud that for several years, it has consistently challenged such detrimental conduct by local authorities, central government and non-State actors including greedy individuals in the courts, where the organisation obtained positive judgments in its favour to preserve and protect wetlands,” ZLHR said.
“Protection and restoration of wetlands guarantees the right to water, which is enshrined in section 77 of the Constitution and also guarantees the right to an environment that is not harmful provided in section 74 of the Constitution.
“This proves that the importance of wetlands to Zimbabwe is not far removed from human beings and is entrenched in our everyday lives, providing immense economic, cultural and biological value that is key to the existence and survival of people and fauna and flora.”
The lawyers called on local and central government and other culpable non-State actors to combat the degradation of wetlands.
“Domesticate provisions of the Ramsar Convention and Convention on Biodiversity and incorporate them into Zimbabwe’s municipal law so as to uphold the obligations under international law to maintain wetlands of international importance.
“Increase awareness about the importance of conserving wetlands through educational campaigns and widespread media coverage,” the lawyers said.
