Environment Correspondent
Illegal mining activities are posing a significant threat to environmental sustainability in Zimbabwe, according to the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU). These activities are not only disrupting agricultural operations but also causing severe environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and siltation of rivers.
The ZFU secretary-general, Paul Zakariya, emphasized that if left unchecked, these activities will have devastating consequences on the country’s food security and overall well-being.
Environmental Concerns:
- Deforestation and Land Degradation: Illegal mining is leading to widespread deforestation and land degradation, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and communities dependent on natural resources.
- Water Pollution: The use of harmful chemicals like mercury and cyanide in artisanal mining is polluting rivers and water sources, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife.
- Loss of Biodiversity: The destruction of habitats and ecosystems is resulting in the loss of biodiversity, including endangered species.
Call to Action:
The ZFU is urging the government to take immediate action to regulate the mining sector and ensure that mining activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. This includes formalizing small-scale mining operations and enforcing environmental regulations ¹. The Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development deputy minister, Vangelis Peter Haritatos, also stressed the importance of empowering family farms to establish a sustainable food system in Zimbabwe.
Way Forward:
- Reform Mining Laws: The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is advocating for reforms to the mining laws to ban mining in protected areas and rivers.
- Sustainable Mining Practices: Promoting sustainable mining practices and enforcing environmental regulations can help mitigate the negative impacts of mining on the environment.
- Collaboration and Education: Raising awareness among mining communities and promoting collaboration between stakeholders can help address the environmental and social concerns associated with mining.
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