Binga community embraces wetlands preservation on World Wetlands day
By Ibin Munsaka
On February 2nd, the Binga community celebrated World Wetlands Day by participating in an educational program focused on the vital role of wetlands, their numerous benefits, and the importance of conservation efforts.
The program was facilitated by Mr. Phineas Mudimba, the District Environmental Officer for the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
During the event, Mr. Mudimba emphasized that preserving wetlands is crucial as they play a pivotal role in our lives. He noted that wetlands are among the protected resources in Zimbabwe and worldwide and countries that are signatories to the Ramsar Convention are obliged to protect these vital ecosystems.
Owen Mudimba from Dandanda village in Kariangwe Ward 15 expressed gratitude for the program, stating that it was very important for the community.
“We have learned a lot from the Environmental Management Agency. We have rivers in our village, and this program has helped farmers adhere to government guidelines initiated by the EMA, such as growing crops no less than 30 meters from water bodies to minimize silting,” he said.
Felix Munsaka from Sikalenge Ward 6 praised the government’s role in imparting knowledge about the importance of preserving wetlands. “Wetlands provide water for domestic use and for livestock,” he explained.
Munsaka urged the government to continue educating the entire country about the significance of wetlands preservation in Zimbabwe.
Mr. Mudimba further elaborated that the Environmental Management Act (20:27) and Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 regulate activities within 30 meters of wetlands or public streams. Additionally, Zimbabwe has established a Wetland Policy that requires a permit from the EMA before any utilization of wetlands can occur.
He highlighted that World Wetlands Day is commemorated annually to raise awareness about these critical ecosystems.The participants expressed their interest in the program, requesting more sessions focused on wetlands preservation. Mudimba noted that preserving wetlands benefits agriculture by providing irrigation water and supporting domestic needs.
Overall, the wetlands commemoration day was a fruitful program, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of wetlands and the need for ongoing education and conservation efforts in the community.
