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As the world observes World Water Day under the theme “Glacier Preservation,” Budzanani Tacheba, interim executive director of the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL), has emphasised the importance of protecting global water sources.
Tacheba highlighted the critical role of wetlands in biodiversity, serving as habitats for various species, supporting food chains, and providing essential ecosystem services, including water purification and flood protection.
“Today, we are reminded of the critical importance of protecting our water resources – both frozen in glaciers and flowing in rivers, lakes, and wetlands. As glaciers around the world retreat due to climate change, we must also turn our attention to another crucial element in the global water cycle – wetlands. Often overlooked, these ecosystems play an indispensable role in safeguarding freshwater quality, supporting biodiversity, nurturing ecosystem health, and ensuring that clean water is available for all,” he said.
His message resonated strongly in Southern Africa, where climate change and water scarcity are significant concerns.
“At SASSCAL, we recognise that water is a shared and finite resource. We are all interconnected, and the health of our water systems affects everyone – across borders, regions, and generations,” he added.
Tacheba also spoke about WeMAST, a project led by SASSCAL aimed at sustainable wetland management in Southern Africa.
Funded by the African Union and the European Union, the project seeks to preserve wetlands, which act as natural water filters, removing pollutants and regulating water flow.
“Through our WeMAST Project, we have developed the WeMAST Geoportal – a platform that provides real-time access to Earth Observation data on wetlands’ health, water quality, and biodiversity across Southern Africa. This platform enables people in the SADC region to monitor the state of their wetlands, track changes in water quality, and respond quickly to emerging environmental challenges,” he explained.
He emphasised how satellite data has become a crucial tool for informed decision-making, empowering governments, environmental experts, and local communities to manage their resources sustainably.
“By leveraging the power of technology, we are not only gathering data; we are empowering communities with the knowledge they need to take action. The Geoportal is about connecting people to the tools and information that will help them protect their water resources – whether it’s preventing pollution, managing wetland ecosystems, or responding to water crises,” Tacheba said.
Reflecting on this year’s World Water Day theme, Tacheba acknowledged Africa’s glaciers in the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Kenya, stressing the need to recognise wetlands as a cornerstone of water security.
“These ecosystems – often overlooked in the fight for freshwater resources – are essential to the future of our planet. They play a central role in the water cycle, and their preservation is directly connected to our collective ability to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6: ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all,” he said.
Tacheba called on governments, NGOs, civil societies, local communities, and individuals to recognise the irreplaceable value of wetlands.
“Together, we can protect and restore these ecosystems, ensuring that clean, safe water remains accessible to all, now and for future generations,” he said.
World Water Day, observed annually on March 22, raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water and calls for action to tackle the global water crisis.
By Sharon Kavhu, AfricaBrief
