Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Secretariat to the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) is set to arrive in Zimbabwe tomorrow as preparations for the high-level global event, set for Victoria Falls from July 23 to 31, gather momentum.
More than 2 400 local and international delegates are expected to attend the indaba to discuss critical issues surrounding wetlands conservation, sustainable management and climate resilience.
President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the conference, underscoring the importance of the event to Zimbabwe’s environmental policy and international standing.
With just days to go, Government has committed to deliver a world-class event, confirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and global co-operation in wetlands conservation.
Zimbabwe as the host, is working tirelessly to ensure the successful hosting of the event, which is a giant endorsement of the country’s image as favourable tourism and conferencing destination.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, in collaboration with other ministries and agencies, is co-ordinating final logistics through an inter-ministerial steering committee.
Deputy Director of Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mrs Joyce Chapungu, confirmed that all systems were in place for a successful hosting of the event.
“Today marks exactly seven days before the nation hosts the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands, which will be held in Victoria Falls from the 23rd to the 31st of July 2025 at the Elephant Hills Hotel,” she said.
“The Government is finalising preparations led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife together with other relevant ministries, departments and agencies while working together as an inter-ministerial steering committee for this prestigious event.”
Mrs Chapungu said over 900 local delegates and 1 500 international participants had already registered, with some expected to attend virtually. Additional tents are being set up at the venue to accommodate the large numbers, she said.
“As we speak, the venue setup is almost complete. We have additional tents being set outside the normal premises at the Elephant Hills to cater for the large numbers that we are expecting at this event.
“We are also expecting arrivals to start this week, with the secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands arriving on the 16th of this month,” said Mrs Chapungu.
This marks the first time Zimbabwe is hosting the prestigious global wetlands conference, and only the second time it is being held in Africa.
Mrs Chapungu expressed excitement about the opportunity, saying the country stands to benefit significantly from the knowledge exchange.
“We’re excited as a nation, we are happy, it is a privilege for us to host such a prestigious event. As you might be aware, this is our first time as Zimbabwe to host such an event, and as Africa, it is our second time,” she said.
The conference is expected to feature critical discussions on wetlands and agriculture, gender inclusion, cultural significance, and climate change adaptation.
Given Zimbabwe’s rich wetlands ecosystems, including the Monavale Wetland and the Zambezi Basin, the event presents an opportunity for the country to showcase its conservation efforts while learning from global best practices.
A major highlight of the conference is that Zimbabwe will assume the COP presidency for the next three years, positioning the country as a leader in global wetlands management discussions.
“Zimbabwe is going to be leading the discussions during the COP15 because, as we host COP15, we are going to assume the COP presidency for the next three years.
“It means it’s an opportunity for us in Zimbabwe to showcase how we have been managing our wetlands,” said Mrs Chapungu.
“It’s a knowledge exchange platform where we are going to be sharing knowledge with other parties and also getting knowledge from them on where we should improve.”
