Local communities in Chimanimani district, Manicaland province, Zimbabwe are working to restore watersheds that have been degraded over time due to poor agricultural practices and unsustainable natural resources management. These practices, coupled with climate change are posing a serious threat to natural water sources, which form the backbone of these communities.
Chimanimani traditional leaders are in full support of this initiative because of the ecological governance significance of watersheds and their role in the wellbeing of the community.
“Watersheds were known to be sacred during our age. No one less than sixty years of age was allowed to visit these areas. They were very important because our ancestors lived in watersheds, protecting and providing us with water,” says Village Head Satiya.
With support from PELUM Zimbabwe member, Towards Sustainable Use of Resources (TSURO) Trust, six communities are engaged in activities aimed at restoring watersheds in Chimanimani. These activities include awareness campaigns, gully reclamations, planting indigenous trees to restore forests, preparing fire guards and clearing invasive species from the water sources. Invasive trees being cleared include gum trees and pine trees.
The watershed reclamation activities are being spearheaded by six community driven Climate Change Action Groups drawn from six selected areas in Chimanimani district. Each Climate Change Action Group has 22 members comprising of men and women.
“Water is our lifeline! I am so happy with this programme in our community and we will support these conservation activities for the benefit of generations to come,” added Village Head Satiya.