05/02/2026
Theme: Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Location: Highlands Presbyterian Church, Harare
The Waste Management Network Meeting, held on February 3, 2026, brought together a diverse group of passionate stakeholders committed to the preservation of Harare’s vital water sources. The event saw a powerful mix of expertise and community spirit, featuring technical specialists, environmental scientists and representatives from the Association of Zimbabwe Recyclers. Notably, the meeting was energized by the presence of the younger generation, including students from Marlborough High School, who attended to learn how policy and nature-based design will shape the city they inherit. These students engaged with leaders from Miracle Missions and the Clean and Green Zimbabwe campaign, bridging the gap between current environmental advocacy and future leadership.
Primary focus of the presentations was the critical role of the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27) in safeguarding our ecosystem. Technical Specialist Tony Lampard detailed how this legal framework serves as the ultimate shield for wetlands, which are officially classified as ecologically sensitive areas. The discussion highlighted Section 113 of the Act, which prohibits the reclamation or drainage of wetlands without strict authorization from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). Stakeholders emphasized that the enforcement of Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) is no longer optional; it is a legal prerequisite that ensures developers and local authorities are held accountable under the "Polluter Pays" principle, preventing the "accidental" destruction of these natural water purifiers.
The vision of transforming Harare into a globally recognized Wetland City was another cornerstone of the meeting. Experts explained that Harare is unique in that it is built directly upon its own headwaters; the city’s survival depends on the health of the Manyame and Gwebi catchments. By pursuing Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation, Harare aims to integrate these "natural water factories" into its urban master plan. This shift would move the city away from costly chemical water treatment and toward utilizing the free filtration services provided by healthy vleis. This vision seeks to protect areas like the Monavale Vlei, ensuring they remain vibrant green spaces that provide both water security and climate resilience for all residents.
Finally, the meeting explored innovative, nature-based solutions inspired by both local expertise and international techniques. Architect Mick Pearce presented on the concept of Biomimicry, where urban infrastructure is designed to mimic the natural sponge-like behavior of a wetland. To enhance local efforts, the network discussed adopting techniques from outside the country, such as the "Constructed Wetlands" models used in Europe to treat peri-urban wastewater and the integrated catchment management strategies successful within the SADC region. By combining these global best practices with high-tech GIS mapping of Harare's specific wetlands, stakeholders are building a comprehensive toolkit to ensure that the city’s development no longer comes at the cost of its most precious resource: water
