<p>Based on household surveys and key informant interviews, the paper explores the consequences of existing institutional arrangements governing wetland access, utilization and conservation in six wetlands located in communal areas found in the central part of Zimbabwe. This was provoked by the fact that wetland ecosystem services are being lost in most developing countries despite the existence of institutions meant to promote their wise use. The results of the study indicated a complex multi-institutional involvement in wetland resources governance. The roles and relationship of participating institutions often compromised wetland resources conservation as a result of conflicts, confusion and tensions exacerbated by divergent motives. There was no homogeny in number of institutions determining utilization at each wetland as well as their degree of influence on management decisions, a situation resembling lack of consistency in existing institutional structure at communal level. Given the proximity of traditional leaders and wetland committees to the people and wetlands and poor participation of government agencies, an institutional structure which place local institutions at the core of the governance system should be formulated. This should be complemented by a clear framework which promotes inter-co-ordination of institutional roles and clarification of their relationships in order to minimize discord in execution of their duties; a situation observed to currently influence degradation of wetland ecosystems. The necessary policy and legal framework to support this institutional framework should be put in place as well as resources for its operations.  </p>

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