Monavale Wetland standoff exposes clash between Harare’s growth and its fragile ecological future

In the early morning light, the Monavale Vlei Wetland still breathes. Reeds, grass sway above shallow water channels. Birds cut across the skyline. The ground beneath the grass remains soft and waterlogged despite the dry season creeping into Harare. For decades, the wetland has quietly performed the work most residents in other parts of Harare…

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Zimbabwe enacts a nationwide, legally-enforced ban on wetland development to protect its critical ecosystems

The government has ruled that no building or land clearing is allowed on wetlands without a full Environmental Impact Assessment approved by the Environmental Management Agency.  Local councils are barred from selling or approving land on these sites, and illegal structures may be removed. Environment Minister Evelyn Ndlovu has officially declared mapped wetlands as protected…

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