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Wetlands boost job creation in Sadc

Wetlands are often overlooked in discussions on environmental and economic importance.

Yet, within the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), these unique ecosystems significantly contribute to local economies.

Their ability to create jobs and stimulate economic growth offers a compelling case for us to celebrate and protect these natural wonders.

In the Sadc region, protecting wetlands is not just an environmental imperative but also a pathway to vibrant communities and thriving economies.

The areas where water covers the soil or is present at or near the surface for a part of the year include marshes, swamps and bogs.

The wetlands are not only vital for ecological balance but also a hub for numerous economic activities.

A study by the Ramsar Convention shows that wetland ecosystems contribute about $1.7 trillion annually to the global economy through various services such as fisheries, agriculture, tourism and flood mitigation.

The Sadc region boasts remarkable wetland systems such as the Lake Chilwa Basin in Malawi, Okavango Delta in Botswana, Zambezi Delta in Mozambique and Pantanal in Zimbabwe.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, nearly 25 percent of Sadc land area encompasses wetland ecosystems, with various fish, plants and birds species thriving in these rich environments.

Sustainable wetland practices create jobs.

1. Fisheries and aquaculture

Sustainable fishing practices in wetlands constitute a significant source of employment in many Sadc countries.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reports that aquaculture and capture fisheries provide livelihoods for over 1.5 million people in southern Africa alone.

For example, the Katima Mulilo region in Namibia leverages its wetland resources to support small-scale fishers who supply local markets with fresh fish while employing conservation methods to protect fish stocks and habitats.

2.    Agriculture

Wetlands support agriculture through ecosystem services like nutrient cycling, improved soil quality, and irrigation sources. The rice fields in the Zambezi Valley exemplify how sustainable agricultural practices in wetland areas can increase crop yields while maintaining ecological integrity.

This approach not only boosts farmer incomes—estimated at around 15 percent higher than conventional farming—but also generates employment opportunities in farming and associated sectors such as transport and marketing.

3.    Tourism

Ecotourism related to wetland exploration has become a lucrative industry in southern Africa.

For instance, the Okavango Delta in Botswana attracts over 250 000 tourists annually, generating billions in revenue and countless jobs in hospitality and guide services.

Botswana’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism estimates that ecotourism contributes about 12 percent to the country’s GDP while fostering community-based conservation efforts.

These benefits call for sustainable development policies.

While the economic impact of wetlands is evident, challenges such as pollution, climate change and unsustainable practices threaten their health and potential to provide jobs.

As outlined in the Sadc Regional Strategic Action Plan for Integrated Water Resources Management, implementing policies that promote sustainable management and conservation of wetlands is critical.

Initiatives focused on restoring and sustainably managing wetlands have immense potential to generate jobs and empower communities.

For example, South Africa’s Working for Wetlands Programme not only employs thousands in vital restoration efforts but also addresses critical issues like flood mitigation, water quality enhancement, and biodiversity improvement.

By integrating conservation objectives into economic strategies, Sadc countries can pave the way for lasting sustainability, ensuring that both people and ecosystems thrive together.

This dual approach offers a win-win solution: Protecting our precious wetlands while fuelling economic growth and job creation.

The economic impact of wetlands on the Sadc region is profound and varied, with job creation through sustainable practices playing a critical role.

By recognising the value of wetlands beyond their ecological functions and integrating them into economic planning, the Sadc region can harness their full potential, supporting livelihoods and driving sustainable growth.

Initiatives that focus on sustainable fisheries, agriculture and tourism can lead to robust economic returns while preserving these indispensable ecosystems for future generations.

By adopting a proactive stance towards wetlands, Sadc nations can not only improve their economies but also set a precedent for resource management and environmental stewardship worldwide.

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