ZLHR report demands environmental courts

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) launched a report documenting litigation to combat wetland destruction and called for specialised environmental courts, as reported by NewZimbabwe.com. The report, "Litigating for Conservation," highlights legal battles over vital water sources, detailing cases of encroachment by developers and the difficulties of navigating the current court system. The absence of dedicated environmental courts means these cases languish in an overburdened system, emboldening developers. ZLHR argues that specialized courts would expedite cases and deter illegal wetland destruction. Zimbabwe's wetlands are critical for water security and biodiversity, yet they face relentless assault from unregulated development. The core vulnerability: the absence of dedicated courts means environmental cases languish in an overburdened system, emboldening developers and leaving Zimbabwe's wetlands — critical for water security — under relentless assault.