Abstract
Wetland ecosystems are vital for supporting biodiversity and providing socio-economic and cultural benefits to surrounding communities. However, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by degradation, often due to the disconnection between conservation authorities and local communities. This research aims to assess how wetlands benefit the local community and protect biodiversity in Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe, to inform policies and strategies for sustainable wetland conservation. Accessing the socio-economic, cultural, and ecological advantages of wetlands as well as identifying the difficulties associated with community access and wetland management are the objectives of the study.
The study focuses on the Manjinji Pan and Tembwahata wetlands, which are facing challenges like foreign species, climate change, and park management-imposed access restrictions. This research employs a mixed method approach which provides a comprehensive understanding of the research problem through a comparative study focusing on the above-mentioned objectives using Tembwahata and Manjinji pan. The findings emphasize the necessity of cooperative wetland conservation strategies, in which the park and the neighborhood may cooperate to protect biodiversity while honoring cultural values.
The results show that although the population is aware of the wetlands' advantages, limited access has pushed them to participate in illicit activities like fishing and poaching. Conflicting management strategies, invasive species, and climate change all contribute to the wetlands' degradation. The study highlights that to create sustainable management plans, park officials and the surrounding community must join more effort. In addition to resolving disputes, this partnership could improve conservation education and provide guidance for other areas dealing with comparable wetland issues.