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Climate change represents the greatest threat to humanity, with its effects being especially pronounced in urban areas. This is due to the elevated greenhouse gas emissions produced by various human activities (Tirivangasi HM, Dzvimbo MA, Chaminuka N, Mawonde A, Sci Afr 20:e01710, 2023). Wetlands present opportunities for carbon sequestration, which can unintentionally assist in mitigating and adapting to climate change. Aquatic ecosystems absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which aids in lessening climate change impacts. Natural wetlands are vital in curbing the accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide in the air (Junk WJ, An S, Finlayson CM, Gopal B, Kvet J, Mitchell SA, Mitsch WJ, Robarts RD Aquat Sci 75:151–167, 2013). Safeguarding wetlands enhances ecosystem resilience and promotes biodiversity (Wetlands International 2020). These environments provide a wide range of advantages, especially in addressing climate change and thereby improving urban resilience (Ramsar Convention, Updated information on Zimbabwe’s Ramsar Sites Available at: https://www.ramsar.org/news/updated-information-on-zimbabwes-ramsar-sites , 2016). Wetlands can alleviate the adverse effects of climate change by enhancing water quality, managing floods, and storing water (Bilge Ozturk et al. 2022; Cicek et al. 2022). The research employed a qualitative framework, utilizing a case study approach. Comprehensive interviews were conducted with urban inhabitants, city planners, climate advocates, and officials from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Despite the considerable advantages offered by wetlands, they have experienced significant degradation due to human activities. These ecologically sensitive areas in Harare have been greatly affected by illegal settlements and waste disposal. Furthermore, uncontrolled urban agriculture has resulted in crop planting in wetlands, further disrupting these ecosystems. The study emphasizes the urgent need for a change in strategy to prioritize wetland conservation effectively for sustainable and resilient cities.

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Unpacking the Role of Urban Wetlands in Urban Resilience and Sustainable Transitions: An Expose from the City of Harare in Zimbabwe

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Nyasha Chaminuka

摘要

Climate change represents the greatest threat to humanity, with its effects being especially pronounced in urban areas. This is due to the elevated greenhouse gas emissions produced by various human activities (Tirivangasi HM, Dzvimbo MA, Chaminuka N, Mawonde A, Sci Afr 20:e01710, 2023). Wetlands present opportunities for carbon sequestration, which can unintentionally assist in mitigating and adapting to climate change. Aquatic ecosystems absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which aids in lessening climate change impacts. Natural wetlands are vital in curbing the accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide in the air (Junk WJ, An S, Finlayson CM, Gopal B, Kvet J, Mitchell SA, Mitsch WJ, Robarts RD Aquat Sci 75:151–167, 2013). Safeguarding wetlands enhances ecosystem resilience and promotes biodiversity (Wetlands International 2020). These environments provide a wide range of advantages, especially in addressing climate change and thereby improving urban resilience (Ramsar Convention, Updated information on Zimbabwe’s Ramsar Sites Available at: https://www.ramsar.org/news/updated-information-on-zimbabwes-ramsar-sites , 2016). Wetlands can alleviate the adverse effects of climate change by enhancing water quality, managing floods, and storing water (Bilge Ozturk et al. 2022; Cicek et al. 2022). The research employed a qualitative framework, utilizing a case study approach. Comprehensive interviews were conducted with urban inhabitants, city planners, climate advocates, and officials from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Despite the considerable advantages offered by wetlands, they have experienced significant degradation due to human activities. These ecologically sensitive areas in Harare have been greatly affected by illegal settlements and waste disposal. Furthermore, uncontrolled urban agriculture has resulted in crop planting in wetlands, further disrupting these ecosystems. The study emphasizes the urgent need for a change in strategy to prioritize wetland conservation effectively for sustainable and resilient cities.