VOA慢速英语:Environmentalists Worry about Zimbabwe Wetlands

短语讲解：

1. Unlike other parts of the city, the area is covered with green grass and a few trees.

cover with 用…遮盖住，用…填满
例句：Cover with flour, as of fish or meat, in cooking.
烹饪时在鱼或肉上覆盖面粉。

2. Harare Residents Trust, a community group, says Zimbabwe's water prices are now high because of the destruction of wetlands.

because of 因为，由于
例句：He is feeling wretched today because of the rain.
因为下雨，他今天情绪很不好。

3. The monitoring framework is very weak. The Environment Management Agency (EMA) does not follow laid down procedures when it comes to approval of buildings.

lay down 放下; 规定; 放弃
例句：Lay down your arms and we'll spare your lives!
缴枪不杀！