Wetlands: A forgotten natural resource in climate fight

By Cliff Chiduku

Wetlands, often dismissed as unproductive swamps, are among the most powerful ecosystems in combating climate change.

These landscapes are critical in maintaining environmental balance, acting as carbon sinks, regulating water cycles and providing crucial biodiversity habitats.

Yet, despite their importance, wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate due to urban expansion, agriculture and pollution. The loss of wetlands not only threatens biodiversity but also weakens the planet’s ability to mitigate climate change.

In recognition of the importance of this critical natural resource, President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently emphasised the need for urgent action.

In commemorating World Wetlands Day last week, the President stated: “Wetlands are not just natural resources – they are foundational to our shared future. Let’s come together to protect and restore them, ensuring their benefits for generations to come.”

Every year, the World Wetlands Day is commemorated on 2 February. This year’s theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” is a call to action that should not be ignored.

If we are serious about mitigating climate change, securing water resources and preserving biodiversity, then the conservation and restoration of wetlands must be a top priority.

Wetlands are among the most effective natural solutions to climate change. Peatlands, mangroves and marshes absorb and store vast amounts of carbon dioxide, preventing it from entering the atmosphere.

According to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, wetlands store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined. So destroying these ecosystems releases this stored carbon, worsening global warming.

Beyond carbon sequestration, wetlands act as buffers against climate extremes. They absorb excess rainfall during storms, reducing the severity of floods, while also retaining water during droughts.

In Zimbabwe, where climate variability is becoming more severe, wetland conservation could be the key to reducing the impact of prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall patterns.

Wetlands are home to a variety of plant and animal species. They support fish populations, provide breeding grounds for birds and sustain countless amphibians, insects and mammals. The Driefontein Grasslands in Zimbabwe, for example, are one of the most important wetlands for the endangered Wattled Crane. The loss of wetlands translates to a loss of biodiversity, threatening entire ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.

Zimbabwe’s wetlands, such as the Middle Zambezi/Mana Pools and the Victoria Falls National Park, are not just local treasures but part of the global ecological network. These sites are recognised for their importance under the Ramsar Convention, yet many remain under threat from agricultural encroachment, illegal settlements and unsustainable water extraction.

In line with its Ramsar Convention commitments, Zimbabwe has identified seven sites as major national wetlands. These are Lake Chivero (Zvimba), Cleveland Dam??????????? (Harare), Middle Zambezi/Mana Pools????????? (Hurungwe), Victoria Falls National Park? (Hwange), Chinhoyi Caves (Makonde), Driefontein Grasslands (Gutu, Chikomba, Chirumhanzu) and Monavale Vlei (Harare). ??

In total, these sites cover more than 453 828 hectares and are protected by several pieces of legislation, including the Constitution, Environmental Management Act and several regulations.

The rate at which wetlands are disappearing is alarming. It is now a global crisis. According to the Global Wetland Outlook, over 35% of wetlands have disappeared since 1970. This loss is mainly due to land conversion for agriculture, urban expansion and infrastructure development.

In Zimbabwe, rapid urbanisation, particularly in areas around Harare, has resulted in wetland destruction, often driven by illegal construction and weak enforcement of environmental laws.

Monavale Vlei, a crucial wetland that helps recharge groundwater and prevent flooding, has been under constant threat from housing developments. Despite being recognised as a protected site, enforcement remains a challenge.

Similar trends can be observed across the country, where wetlands are drained for short-term economic gains at the expense of long-term sustainability.

Zimbabwe has taken steps to acknowledge the importance of wetlands. The Environmental Management Agency has increased monitoring efforts and wetland protection laws have been strengthened. However, enforcement remains weak and illegal settlements continue to mushroom on wetlands.

President Mnangagwa’s statement signals a renewed commitment to wetland conservation. If the government follows through with strict enforcement, community engagement and sustainable urban planning, wetlands can be preserved for future generations.

Stiffer penalties for illegal developments, incentives for wetland restoration and increased funding for conservation initiatives are necessary steps forward.

Around the world, there are success stories that Zimbabwe can learn from.

In the US, several States, including Massachusetts, have initiatives to restore former cranberry bogs into thriving wetlands to enhance biodiversity and improve water quality. The UK government has also poured millions of dollars into projects aimed at transforming acres of farmland into a saltmarsh nature reserve to combat coastal erosion and store carbon.

Similarly, countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Colombia and Ecuador are fighting to save wetlands from drought-related degradation. These efforts demonstrate that restoring wetlands is not only possible but also economically and ecologically beneficial.

Beyond their environmental role, wetlands provide essential resources for millions of people worldwide. They support agriculture, fisheries and tourism industries.

In Zimbabwe, rural communities rely on wetlands for water supply, livestock grazing and crop production. So the degradation of these ecosystems threatens food security and livelihoods.

Investing in wetland conservation can yield economic benefits. Restored wetlands improve water quality, reducing the need for costly water treatment facilities. They also provide eco-tourism opportunities, attracting visitors interested in birdwatching, safaris and nature exploration.

Undoubtedly, countries that have prioritised wetland conservation have seen increased revenue from sustainable tourism while ensuring ecological resilience.

As alluded to earlier, this year’s theme emphasises collective responsibility, but government action alone is not enough — communities, businesses and individuals must also be part of the solution.

Going forward, below are a few steps to ensure wetland protection and restoration.

Stronger legislation and enforcement – Laws that protect wetlands must be strictly enforced. Illegal housing developments should be halted and penalties for encroachment must be increased. We have seen this happening unabated in Belvedere, Monavile, Harare South and many parts of Greater Harare. There is a need for political will to tackle this menace.

Community involvement – There is also need for communities to be sensitised on the importance of wetlands. The new schools curriculum that the government rolled out this year should emphasise on environmental education. Sustainable farming and conservation projects should be rolled out to ensure communities benefit from wetland preservation.

Sustainable urban planning – Town planning must integrate wetlands into their urban plans rather than destroying them. Green infrastructure, such as constructed wetlands, can help mitigate flooding and improve water quality.

Incentivising restoration projects – Government and private sector partnerships can help fund wetland restoration initiatives. Providing financial incentives for conservation will no doubt encourage more stakeholders to participate in wetland protection.

Integrating wetlands into climate policy - Wetlands should be recognised as a key component of national climate strategies. Protecting them aligns with global climate goals and contributes to carbon sequestration.

Wetlands are a forgotten natural resources; they are essential to humanity’s future. From carbon storage to water security and biodiversity preservation, these ecosystems offer unparalleled benefits. However, without urgent intervention, their continued degradation will accelerate climate change impacts, threaten food and water security and erode biodiversity.

President Mnangagwa’s rallying call to protect wetlands should be more than just rhetoric. It must be backed by decisive action at local and national levels.

Since Zimbabwe will from 23 to 31 July this year host the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) on Wetlands in Victoria Falls, it follows that the country should lead by example in prioritising wetland conservation as part of its climate adaptation strategy.

Protecting wetlands is not just about environmental preservation; it is an investment in our common future. If we fail to act, we risk losing one of nature’s most powerful allies in the fight against climate change. The time for action is now.

Cliff Chiduku is a communications, public policy and governance expert with interests in climate and environmental issues. He writes in his personal capacity.?Feedback: [email protected] or Call/App +263775716517.