By Shalom Shawurwa
The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has raised alarm over the urgent need to protect the country’s wetlands warning that human-driven degradation is endangering critical ecosystems and exacerbating social inequalities.
In a statement, CHRA chairperson David Pasipanodya highlighted the vital relationship between biodiversity, human well-being and urban development, particularly in the face of rapid housing expansion.
“Biodiversity plays a critical role in supporting the livelihoods of communities, particularly in the context of housing and urban development. However, these ecosystems are facing unprecedented threats from land degradation, pollution, and climate change,” Pasipanodya said
He said wetlands, which provide vital services such as water purification, flood control and wildlife habitats are among the ecosystems most at risk and pointed to the ongoing loss of wetlands as a direct contributor not only to the decline of biodiversity but also to deepening poverty and social injustice.
In a push for policy change, the residents’ group is calling on the Government to accelerate the domestication and implementation of the Ramsar Convention — an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
“The domestication of the Ramsar Convention is a critical step towards protecting our wetlands and promoting sustainable development in Zimbabwe. Its implementation will help to ensure that our country’s rich biodiversity is preserved for future generations,” he said
Zimbabwe is set to host the Ramsar COP15 conference in Victoria Falls this July — a high-level gathering of global leaders, environmental experts and civil society and the residents association hopes the occasion will catalyze national commitment to wetland conservation.
“We look forward to engaging with stakeholders on the importance of wetland conservation and the need for effective implementation of the Ramsar Convention,” said Pasipanodya.
The group also called for increased investment in community-led conservation and stronger collective action across all sectors to protect the country’s natural heritage.
