An Evaluation of Policy Interventions in Wetlands Management: The Case of Environment Management Act and Wetlands in Harare

Abstract

Stakeholders in environment and natural resources management are concerned about the increasing human activity on wetlands and the resultant deterioration of these natural resources. The study sought to establish the effectiveness of policy interventions, especially the Environment Management Act, in protecting wetlands in Harare. A total of 14 informants from various stakeholder institutions concerned with wetlands protection were interviewed. These included the Harare City council, Environment Management Agency, government and civil society organizations among others. Interviews were used to collect data from key informants while observation was done on some wetlands sites. The study established that wetlands in Harare are on a decline and this is mainly due to lack of information on the importance of wetlands and how they should be protected as well as the poor enforcement of laws that are in place to protect wetlands. In some cases, the laws are not adequate and have gaps that need to be addressed. It also emerged that despite the presence of laws that protect wetlands, many people, especially residence have little options for survival than undertaking activities for economic gain on wetlands. It also came out clear that those who make decisions that impact on the wetlands have limited information about the consequences of their decisions on these wetlands and the consequent impact on the provision of a range of ecosystem services provided by wetlands. The study recommends that policies in place to protect wetlands be reviewed and harmonized to make them effective in combating wetlands deterioration. This must be accompanied by professionalization and strengthening of the institutions charged with the responsibility of protecting wetlands. The communities also need to be educated on sustainable use of wetlands to balance their needs and the imperative of protecting wetlands. Finally, the research recommended that further research be undertaken to balance the need for land to advance socio-economic needs of residents and investors with the imperative of protecting wetlands.