Environment: Journal of Environmental Management in Zimbabwe (JEMZ)

Authors:Treggie Mpofu1, Bothwell Nhlalo Sibanda2, Rejoice Hove3, Albert Mbabvu4 

Journal of Environmental Management in Zimbabwe (JEMZ)

An Investigation into Current Threats of the Wetlands and Sensitive Ecosystems In Relation to Land Use: A Case of Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

Treggie Mpofu1, Bothwell Nhlalo Sibanda2, Rejoice Hove3, Albert Mbabvu4 

1Agricultural Technical and Extension Services

2Bulawayo City Council

3Attorney General’s Office

4Civil Service Commission

E–mail: mpofutreggy@gmail.com

Abstract

Wetlands are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world, supporting diverse natural functions and providing important services to human societies. However wetlands are under pressure, particularly due to land use. Urban wetlands and ecologically sensitive ecosystems are partially vulnerable to pollution, development and environmental degradation. Bulawayo Metropolitan Province has natural resources that include natural forests, wetlands and dams. However, over the past three decades the environmental quality of the community has deteriorated demonstrating irresponsible use of natural resources. This has been mainly caused by poor natural resources management by community at large. Most of the setbacks are due to ineffectiveness of information transfer between researchers, management, extension officers and community groups. This study was focused on current threats of the wetlands in relation to land use. A structured questionnaire was administered to 13 wetland communities which are some of the 26 wetlands and settlements within ecologically sensitive areas in Bulawayo. The objectives of the study were: i) to assess if the community members within the affected area are aware of importance of wetlands. ii) to assess if the community members were involved in rehabilitation plans for the wetlands and ecological sensitive ecosystems. iii) to determine the intensity to which the areas under threat have been affected. iv)to determine the magnitude of impact of different land use types. v) to assess the degree of threat of wetlands and sensitive ecosystems in Bulawayo. vi) to assess if the current policies embrace wetlands under threats of pollution, development and environmental degradation. Formal interviews were conducted to

various institutions and community members with interest in wetlands and rehabilitation. Recent assessment conducted in Bulawayo focused on identification and mapping of wetlands and ecological sensitive ecosystems. This study revealed that activities consisting of: infrastructure development, cultivation, solid waste dumping, liquid waste discharge, brick moulding, clay abstraction and religious activities were the drivers to the threats of wetlands. It was recommended that a national wetland degradation response strategy was to be established. Despite the fact that most African countries have signed the Ramsar convention, efforts to elaborate basic data have been insufficient, thereby hindering the formulation of a wetland-friendly policy allowing the sustainable management of the area. The strategy should include but not be limited to wetlands rehabilitation, establish effective and efficient ways to collate evolving knowledge and transfer information to Town Planners, Extension officers, Researchers and decision makers on land use programmes for sustainability of wetlands

Keywords: Wetlands, ecologically sensitive ecosystems, management, rehabilitation, sustainability policy.

Introduction

Wetlands are “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural, artificial, permanent or temporary with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters” (Ramsar, 2013; Williams, 2000). According to Dar (2020), wetlands are ecosystems intermediate between aquatic and terrestrial systems which are permanently or seasonally covered with shallow water. As the services of wetlands are uniquely play a key role to hydrological process and biochemical cycles, they also harbour a large part of the world’s biodiversity and provide result in a wide range of benefits to mankind. (Junk et al., 2013). Owing to the increased rate of anthropogenic activities and changes in the natural process, these wetlands are degrading at an alarming rate, seriously affecting their health and water quality (Dar et al., 2020). During wetland formation, climate, topography and soil drainage interact. Wetlands in Southern Africa is constantly under threat from demographic growth, urbanization rising poverty and climate extremes (Breen et al., 1997; Sachs et al., 2019). Threats to wetlands and Ramsar sites are ongoing mainly because of lack of specific national wetlands policies, limited financial and human resources, general lack of infrastructure, and monitoring capacity (Wittman et al., 2015).

Zimbabwe mapped seven wetlands for conservation currently managed and conserved under the EMA chapter20:27 of 2003 under statutory instrument 7 (Madebwe, 2006). These wetlands face pollution, cultivation and human interference (Muziri, 2019, Rajah et al., 2012). According to Williams (2000), the United Nations Earth summit of 1992 has been credited for proposing the need for Journal of Environmental Management in Zimbabwe (JEMZ) 12 to conserve the three levels inclusive of species, ecosystems and genetic diversity. In line with the provisions of Rio de Janeiro to facilitate the management of the environment and ecosystem services nationwide, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has been enacted to facilitate environmental issues. However, for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province research finding indicated that currently there is human resource shortage particularly on wetlands management issues, thus activities continue rising and other stakeholders and local authorities do their business without any consultations with EMA leading to serious threats to wetlands and sensitive ecosystems. According to Murombedzi (2003), before formation of EMA, management of natural resources was done through Communal Based Natural Resources (1942), forest Act (1948), Parks and Wildlife Act (1975). These Acts were blamed for

inefficiency because of their lack of community involvement in managing natural resources and this resulted in formation of EMA in line with the Kyoto Protocol Agenda 21. Environmental Management Act (Chapter 15:05), was enacted in 2002 and it annulled the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (Chapter 20:03), The Hazard Substance and Article Act (Chapter 15:05), Natural Resources Act (Chapter 20:13), Mutambara and Bodzo (2020). In 2018 Environmental Management Agency come up with a wetland draft policy which has guide lines to enforce regulations and laws that promote maintenance of ecological integrity of wetlands.

Bulawayo Setting

The identified wetlands in Bulawayo need critical measures in terms of management and rehabilitation. Significant measures date back to the signing of the convention of the wetlands in Iran in 1971 (Secretariat, 2006). While Efforts on the National Wetlands Master Plan are earmarked in line with the National Development Strategy 1(NDS1), EMA indicated that the plan would include development of the National Wetlands Policy (EMA, 2021). Although efforts are being made on that note, information has not been adequate in an attempt to manage wetlands in Bulawayo. Furthermore, most people within urban setup work on ecologically sensitive areas due to lack of information about wetlands. It is therefore critical to note that wetlands play a pivotal livelihoods role as they are natural purifiers. According to Pedersen et al., (2007), wetlands retain nutrients, pollutants and sediments through naturally adapted mechanisms. Wetlands provide numerous socio-economic ecosystems (Prasad et al., 2002). Mclaughlin and Cohen (2013), further elaborate on the biogeochemical reactions, phytoremediation, bioremediation and sedimentation as some of the essential mechanisms which occur within the ecosystems. Wetlands are fragile ecosystems that can be degraded if not sustainably used (Tobias et al., 2001). There are various studies which identify the ranking of important drivers of change and increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, climate and vegetation change, water resources, land use changes, ecosystem sensitivity and other biomass with respect to expected changes which including major sources of uncertainties.( Jones et al., 2017)

Observations from the wetlands identification and mapping which was conducted in Bulawayo by a multi-stakeholder task force team in 2021, indicate that destruction of wetlands is mainly anthropogenic and there are serious threats to environment. Furthermore, inadequate legislation and weak institutional structures have exacerbated environmental problems in Southern African Region (Schteingart, 1989; Odudu, 2015). This study therefore seeks to address environmental multi-stakeholder forum environment law enforcers, urban developers, farmers and other land users so as to unfold the degree of threats to wetlands. The information dissemination and enquiry will be done to come up with proposals for sustainable wetland management and rehabilitation systems. A call for rehabilitation of wetlands is critical since climate projections indicate that in the year 2050 global warming could sharply act as a major cause of extinction of species. Although scientists argue that dealing with biodiversity needs more accuracy hence need for “Wetlands Data Framework” which will encourage the collection of data on global biodiversity. According to Murungweni (2013), biodiversity in the low land are at the verge of getting extinct due to invasive plants as well as urban development in Zimbabwe.

Despite the long standing and important role of wetlands as providers of resources, these systems have, in the past been neglected by research, policy and legislation. However, a positive move for Zimbabwe has been shown through the launch of National Wetlands Policy and Policy Guidelines among other things that will give direction and impetus to ongoing drive

to restore wetlands countrywide. Findings from the 13 wards interviewed indicated that 80% of 130 randomly selected participants were not aware of importance of wetlands within their areas, while 90 % indicated that they have never been approached or informed about proper areas of conducting their activities mainly agricultural activities. Environmental Management Agency indicated that work was being done to initiate wetlands rehabilitation. However, sentiments towards progress and the pace at which such activities could hasten to prevent further threats on wetlands indicated difficult situation since in Bulawayo they (EMA) are short staffed only one person is manning the area. Bulawayo City Council authorities argued that they had open spaces designated for agricultural activities, while Agritex officials indicated that there was need for functional multi-stakeholder forum in terms of environment, land distribution and food production issues. It is of paramount importance to note that urban expansion in Africa is said to be associated with “unplanned and unregulated” growth further aggravated by “weak planning institutions” resulting in biodiversity loss (Gun and Burak, 2021). Considering the current threats of wetlands facing the City of Bulawayo, there is need to support and promote enforcement of relevant regulations and laws related to wetlands and land use. There is a sharp debate about the social impacts of conservation, wetlands rehabilitation programmes and biodiversity loss with urban development activities and the growing population. At present there are conflicts with policies of wetlands and poverty alleviation. According to Runting et al. (2017), ecological diversity has to maintain a healthy network. The statement ‘ecosystem services’ refers to benefits that can be gained by the nation and future generations (Millenium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). According to McAfee (2012), World Bank; growing demand for biodiversity and ecosystem services is attributed to population growth in Africa. Figure 1 shows Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Ward Boundaries.

Figure 1: Location of City of Bulawayo and its Ward Boundaries

The gap between policy visions and actual outcomes has generated debate concerning whether and how the dual goals of wetlands conservation and development may be reconciled (Dahlberg and Burlando, 2009). The creation of protected areas always entails trading one land use option for another, and choices among the differences have to be continually faced. According to Cortina et al., (2006) conservation and development do not have to be irreconcilable goals, but they need to be realistically considered as part of political and social process of engagement and negotiation among different interests. According to Environmental Impact Assessment done by the Environmental Management Agency in Bulawayo rapid expansion of most housing done in order to meet the governments’ target on housing by 2000 resulted is placement of such structures (EMA report, 2013). The move consequently resulted in some of the infill houses built on wetlands.

In this paper we used multiple sources of information including review of published literature, key informants, reports from environmental agencies, reports from wetlands task force committee and field observations to address the objectives; i) to assess if the community members within the affected areas are aware of importance of wetlands. ii) to assess if the community members were involved in rehabilitation plans for the wetlands and ecological sensitive ecosystems. iii) to determine the intensity of threats to the affected areas. iv) to determine the magnitude of impact of different land use types. v) to assess the degree of threat of wetlands and sensitive ecosystems in Bulawayo. vi) to assess if the current policies embrace wetlands under threats of pollution, development and environmental degradation. We also conducted focus group discussions with the residents associations to identify key research gaps on current threats in relation to land use for wetlands in Bulawayo.

Methodology

Study site

Bulawayo city consists of 29 Wards (See Figure 1) and 5 Districts. Each District is manned by District Development Coordinator (DDC). Each ward has a councillor and various residents associations. Within the structure are officers and coordinators from various ministries, agencies, city council, NGOs, private and public sector. All the mentioned stakeholders are involved in most community activities. However, in Bulawayo the 26 identified wetlands and sensitive ecosystems have a lot of work that desires commitment from local to national level. Figure 2 shows Bulawayo wetlands which are sensitive ecosystems.

Figure 2: Bulawayo Wetlands Map

Climate change threats are evident in Njube Suburb in Ward 12 where 3 dams have shown gradual annual decrease in capacity. The future of wetlands is alligned to human interference and the effects of climate change cannot be de-linked to anthropogenic activities occurring in and around wetlands. Since high productivity of wetlands supports substantial population of poor people depend on their livelihood. Interviews conducted in Njube Suburb indicated that 40 years ago activities like canoeing and fishing were the predominant active particularly in the main dam. However due to damages causes by the activities which include brick moulding,

stream bank cultivation and various church activities, ecosystem services have declined. While substantial ecosystem management is a long-term goal, survival is more immediate to community members who benefit from wetland resources. Figure 3 shows Njube Dams in Bulawayo.

Figure 3: Njube Dams

According to Bulawayo City Council report (1998), forty years ago; Njube dams had full capacity and there were strict regulations pertaining activities around these dams. We noted however, that City Council, due to high staff over so many destructive activities were evident leading to siltation of the dams. The situation is also being affected by the climate change particularly high temperatures which result in lowering dam levels. In this instance the other smaller dams have been significantly affected.

Data Collection

Previous research in this area has accumulated extensive knowledge about wetlands usage and benefits. However, continuous threats are being recorded and there no practical evidence on management and rehabilitation specifically in Bulawayo. As a nation Zimbabwe initiated a wetlands draft policy in 2018 which has been enacted 2022 as policy, but in terms of rehabilitation, so far nothing is being done on the ground. While Bulawayo City has Urban Agriculture Draft Policy and land use is not restricted by the policy which makes it ineffective.

As we build on such knowledge, this study interrogates on why there is continuous degradation and threats on wetlands while there are surveys and policies in the same area. This study draws data from different sources including published scientific literature, unpublished reports from research, surveys, and regulatory agencies, expert knowledge systems field observations, questionnaires and informal interviews.

The sources of data were reviewed to reveal the causes of continuous threats on wetlands which are increasing in Bulawayo. Organisations that are mandated to enforce and ensure protection were interviewed as to acquire more details concerning wetlands issues. Current threats on wetlands were identified based on the wetlands and sensitive ecosystem identification mapping exercise report done by the wetland task force team in Bulawayo

Results and Discussions

Spatial extent of wetlands and sensitive ecosystems

The empirical findings of the study shown in this section indicate that major activities identified are detrimental to the ecosystem and that could be a threat for the future. Our review concentrated on the 13 locations in Table 1, within Bulawayo:

Table 1: Irregular, dysfunctional settlements and settlements on Ecologically Sensitive

Area (Source report onWetlands in Bulawayo EMA, 2021).

Our review revealed that there is a gap between policy visions and actual outcomes. Most activities conducted in Bulawayo which consist of infrastructure development, cultivation, liquid waste discharge, solid waste dumping, brick moulding, sand abstraction and religious activities are continuously causing threats to wetlands. According to findings from the 13 wards interviewed 80 % of 130 randomly selected participants were not aware of importance of wetlands within their areas, while 90 % indicated that they have never been approached or informed about proper areas of conducting their activities mainly agricultural activities. Inadequate understanding of the crucial role and utility of wetlands is a matter of serious concern. According to Sachs (2019), recognising the importance of wetland resources has been instrumental worldwide action at government level for conservation and wise use of wetlands. Ramsar Convention has played an important role in promoting awareness of wetlands and providing technical support to governments for conservation and management of these ecological systems. By launching wetlands policy in Zimbabwe which was recently adopted by 10 Provinces, there is more work to be done practically which also entails awareness programmes (EMA, 2022). According to Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) “human activities are causing significant alteration to the function, integrity and quality of wetlands (Mubvami et al., 2006). Since wetlands are protected by section 73 of the constitution and the Environmental Management Act, Zimbabwe is internationally bound by the Ramsar Convention. However, these policies and regulations remain a challenged due to the activities involved, lack of policy consistence and limited institutional capacities. Table 2 showsinfrastructure development in wetlands.

Table 2: Infrastructural Development on Wetlands in Bulawayo. (Source: EMA 2021)

Degradation and huge threat on wetlands are predominantly caused by infrastructural development and cultivation on ecologically sensitive ecosystems. Table 3 shows the ranking of activities conducted by different communities on wetlands in Bulawayo.

Legend: x = confirmed impact,1=Njube, 2=Reigate,3=Woodlands,4=Queens Park, 5=Nkulumane Glenkary,6=Kelvin West Neddicky,7=Nkulumane Mqamulazwe,8=Newton West, 9=Pumula, 10=Luveve 5, 11=Cowdray Park Hlalani Kuhle,12= Cowdray Park Phase 3,13=Cowdray Park Hlalani Kuhle area

Ranking of the wetlands and ecologically sensitive areas indicated that the stable/pristine areas like Njube dam were under threat due to major activities within the area. Other ecologically sensitive areas were characterised with moderate degrading while there was no significant or no severely degraded areas.

The status of wetlands and ecological sensitive ecosystems in Bulawayo identified a number of potential barriers to effective and sustainability due to ineffective wetland regulations, law enforcement, lack of rehabilitation options or relocation of affected households within flood prone zones mapped under wetlands. According to Finlayson et al (2000), law enforcement on wetlands is critical to ensure sustainability, maintenance and conservation of wetlands, ecologically sensitive ecosystems and the biota they support. For the focus group discussion held, 30% of the residents associations highlighted that efforts by the local authorities on sewer issues did not have enough impact hence contamination of wetlands within the communities was high. On another discussion, 60% of the participants did not have general information of the importance of wetland within their communities. Hence questionnaire response highlighted gaps in technical knowledge as a serious threat to effective wetlands management, since

stakeholders conducted activities separately. A total of 25% of the respondents staying within flood prone areas put the blame on the town planners while 50% indicated that durawalls (perimeter walls) within their communities worsened their situations. Houses prone to flooding due to low foundations are 3% of the total under affected areas. However, the total may increase if construction of infill houses continues within ecologically sensitive zones.

Farming activities done in undesignated areas particularly wetlands covers approximately 70%. According to Meyerhoff et al., (2007), wetlands retain nutrients, pollutants and sediments through naturally adapted mechanisms. According to the interviews held with communities, 75% of the participants indicated that they did not have any information on the wetland policy. There are no wetland committees in all districts interviewed, as a result all activities cause negative impacts on ecologically sensitive areas within Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. To date no ticket has been issued in line with disturbances and pollution of wetlands in Bulawayo. According to EMA report (2021), urban farming practices are done on river banks within the increasing risks of floods. Such practices were observed in Cowdray Park, Reigate, Njube, Glengary, Kelvin West, Luveve 5 and Queens Park. Our review also revealed that supportive services had contributory factors towards lack of unity of purpose since stake-holders served the same communities but offered different services. These include extension services, infrastructural development and wetland sensitive ecosystems’ management.

Recommendations

A national wetland degradation response strategy should be established. The strategy should include but not be limited to wetlands rehabilitation. Effective and efficient ways to collate evolving knowledge and transfer information to Town Planners, Extension officers, Researchers and decision makers on land use programmes for sustainability of wetlands. The Rehabilitation plan should also include plans to relocate communities currently living on wetland areas. Establishment of standard monitoring protocols for adaptive wetland management suitable for use by community groups in all districts. Formation of strong institutions such as wetlands rehabilitation committees or teams responsible for rehabilitation should be done at District level.

Bulawayo City Council needs to map and designate all wetlands and ecologically sensitive area to ensure that all infrastructure falls beyond the minimum 30m from highest floodplain level. There in need for Bulawayo City Council building inspectorate to effectively supervise and monitor all construction to ensure that infrastructure constructed meet the standards. All Bulawayo stakeholders as Bulawayo City Council, Environmental Management Agency, Infrastructure and Environmental Management (Local Government, Physical Planning, Agritex and many more should conduct joint awareness campaigns targeting residents practicing stream bank cultivation. Bulawayo City Council should and Environmental Management Agency need to work together to raise awareness on solid waste management and prosecute offenders found littering or diverting sewage pipelines to gardens. Bulawayo City Council should

intensify demarcations of all wetlands and ecologically sensitive ecosystems, conduct surveys, on-site testing and integrate wetland management for use as guideline for land use in Bulawayo. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development should foster context specific levels of productivity of agriculture by following guidelines from town planners and use wetlands in a sustainable and socially acceptable manner to promote the reliance of systems to deliver food security.

Conclusions

Wetlands are biologically most diverse and economically valuable ecosystems all over the world. Covering 6% of the earth and providing important ecological and economic services, they are under threats which makes them vulnerable to biodiversity loss, biological invasion and climate change, yet urban wetlands management is an understudied area of global environmental research. The disruption of wetlands function has a high cost economically, socially and ecologically. This disturbance heavily affects ecological goods and services. The diversity of wetlands must be retained, where possible restoration, rehabilitation, management and re-creation in a sustainable manner. Wetlands in Bulawayo City are degrading at an alarming rate mainly due to anthropogenic pressures and climate change. Agriculture, construction and settlement activities should undergo a consultative environmental vetting before allocation of activity on any piece of land. The different policy approaches and institutional arrangements in place for urban governance have to be studied comparatively to obtain a better understanding of the current issues. Public awareness campaigns, trainings and establishment of community committees on wetlands should be encouraged in all districts with identified wetlands. There is a need for a multi-stakeholder forum to unite and work with communities for effectiveness of wetlands Policy. Wetlands under current threats need immediate investment for rehabilitation to save the Province through incorporation of climate smart techniques, biodiversity and resource availability. Robust management strategies must be adopted for conservation and protection of wetland ecosystem to ensure sustainable socio-economic and ecological benefits.

Acknowledgements

We are grateful for the assistance that was given by Environmental Management Agency, Agritex Department, Bulawayo City Council, Local Government -Environmental Planning and Management Department that made the compilation of the manuscript possible.

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