The Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA) has partnered with the government in a bid to safeguard the future of a threatened wetland in Mutare.
The wetland, located on stand number 7568 in Tigers Kloof Murambi area, is at risk due to a proposed construction project for 23 cluster homes.
Following their request for government intervention, MAYA held a meeting with the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry last week.
In an interview with Bustop TV, Jussa Kudherezera, the director of MAYA, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, stating, “The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry has aligned with our concerns, and we are now working together to halt all plans that would disturb the existence of this precious wetland.”
As part of their strategy to protect the wetland, MAYA has plans to engage the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to seek their perspective on wetland preservation.
However, efforts to obtain a comment from EMA were unsuccessful, as their phone lines were not reachable.
MAYA raised concerns about the potential impact of the proposed development on the local ecosystem, arguing that the destruction of this wetland would not only harm biodiversity but also exacerbate flooding issues and undermine the overall resilience of the environment.
Recognizing its importance, MAYA stated, “We are deeply concerned about the proposed development of 23 cluster homes on this wetland, which plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and provides important environmental services.”
Moreover, Kudherezera added that the construction of cluster homes on a wetland contradicts Zimbabwe’s commitments as a signatory to the Ramsar Convention.
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty aimed at halting the worldwide loss of wetlands and conserving those that remain through wise use and management.
“As a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, Zimbabwe pledged to protect and preserve wetlands. It is crucial that we demonstrate our commitment to these global conservation goals by safeguarding important wetland areas like the one in Mutare,” highlighted Kudherezera.
He also said their efforts have emerged during a crucial time as Zimbabwe prepares to host the Ramsar COP15 conference next year, an important international event focused on the importance of wetland conservation.
