Summary
- Harare’s wetlands are critical to the future sustainable development of the city.
- Wetlands form a vital part of the water supply infrastructure for Harare and many other urban centres.
- Wetlands in Harare have already been greatly reduced in extent and the remaining portions extensively degraded.
- Despite specific legislation to protect wetlands introduced during 2007, about half of all wetlands have been lost since this time through conversion to development.
- This is adversely affecting the supply of surface and groundwater for Harare.
- The problem is continuing – currently there are more than 250 sites where there are recent or ongoing developments on wetlands.
- It is critical that remaining wetland areas should be kept free of development and agriculture, restored to their natural state and specifically managed for water production.
- Failure to address this situation will directly enhance future water problems in the city.
Download full document here (3.6MB PDF)
Source: Harare Wetlands Trust
