Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Victoria Falls
ZIMBABWE is poised to host a significant international event as the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15) officially commences tomorrow in Victoria Falls.
Delegates began arriving yesterday for the prestigious gathering, with President Mnangagwa set to preside over the official opening ceremony on Thursday.
The high-level global event, the first of its kind to be held in Zimbabwe, will bring together representatives from 172 governments under the Ramsar Convention to deliberate on wetlands conservation, sustainable use, and restoration.
More than 2 500 delegates have registered for the conference, including ministers, environmental experts, and the Convention on Wetlands Secretary-General, Dr Musonda Mumba, who was welcomed on Sunday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Ambassador Tadeus Chifamba.
The Ministry has confirmed that all logistical and programme arrangements are in place, with final preparations underway at the conference venue, Elephant Hills Hotel, including the completion of exhibition pavilions.
Deputy Director of Communication and Advocacy, Mrs Joyce Chapungu, expressed pride and excitement over the historic occasion.
“Finally, the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands is here, just a few hours away, and we are excited as a nation for the opportunity to host such a prestigious event.
“It’s the first time Zimbabwe is hosting an event of this magnitude, where 172 governments will converge in the wetland-accredited city of Victoria Falls. Preparations are nearly complete — we are ready to welcome the world,” she said.
Mrs Chapungu confirmed the arrival of key figures, including Dr Mumba and several international ministers, underscoring the global significance of the conference.
The official opening will be followed by a high-level segment featuring policy discussions among ministers and global environmental leaders. Delegates will also participate in technical sessions, workshops, and exhibitions, including a dedicated Zimbabwe Pavilion showcasing the country’s wetlands management strategies, policies, and community-based conservation efforts.
“Of note is the Zimbabwe Pavilion, where the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, together with its parastatals and other stakeholders in wetland management, will showcase Zimbabwe’s wetlands journey — how we’ve been managing our wetlands through various strategies and policies,” she said.
A highlight of the conference will be a field excursion to Kasibo Wetland in Hwange, where delegates will witness Zimbabwe’s community-led wetland restoration initiatives.
“We want to showcase reality on the ground — how we, as Zimbabwe, are managing our wetlands in the communities, in a Zimbabwean context. Something that is real, that is on the ground, that is not fake, not spiced up, no makeup to it — the real Zimbabwean community projects,” said Mrs Chapungu.
COP15 comes at a critical time as nations intensify efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. Wetlands, which play a vital role in water filtration, flood control, and carbon storage, are under threat globally, making this conference a key platform for policy alignment and action.
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the event underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability and positions Victoria Falls as a hub for international conservation dialogue.
With the stage set, the world’s eyes are now on Victoria Falls as Zimbabwe prepares to lead crucial discussions on preserving one of the planet’s most essential ecosystems.
@nyeve14.
Bongani Ndlovu