Online Reporter
THE 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) has officially commenced in Victoria Falls, with regional meetings underway ahead of the high-level ministerial segment.
The meeting is being held under the theme: “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.”
The conference brings together 172 contracting parties to address critical challenges and opportunities in wetland conservation.
Our Victoria Falls Reporter, Rutendo Nyeve will be giving us live updates from the conference.
Minister Ndlovu urges action on Wetland Conservation at Ramsar COP15
THE Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu has highlighted the importance of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), emphasising the urgency of global action.
Addressing the media on Tuesday evening, Dr Ndlovu said the meeting was critical for shaping the global future.
“As we gather beneath the majestic Mosi-oa-Tunya—‘The Smoke That Thunders’—we are excited to host this prestigious event. The science is clear, the policy frameworks exist, and the financial mechanisms are within reach. What remains is the will to act.
“Let us remember that wetland conservation is not an environmental luxury; it is a hydrological necessity, a climate imperative, and a development obligation. I wish all delegates fruitful discussions as we work towards a sustainable future,” she said.
The conference programme, running from 23 to 31 July, begins with regional meetings and the 65th Standing Committee session today, followed by the opening ceremony on Thursday, featuring a high-level ministerial segment and the presentation of Wetland City Accreditation certificates.
Plenary sessions from 25 July will cover key agenda items, including the adoption of the Strategic Plan 2025–2034, reports on wetland restoration, and the Convention’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Delegates will also deliberate on draft resolutions, such as the establishment of a Global Wetland Restoration Fund and the integration of wetlands into climate policies.
Field visits to Kasibo Wetland on 29 July will showcase Zimbabwe’s nature-based solutions, while the final days will focus on adopting resolutions, electing new Standing Committee members, and closing ceremonies.
Zimbabwe has pledged to designate five new Ramsar Sites by 2030 and restore 250,000 hectares of degraded wetlands, reinforcing its commitment to global conservation efforts.
Zimbabwe commits to five new Ramsar sites by 2030
WITH the spotlight firmly on Zimbabwe as it hosts the historic 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), the Government has unveiled an ambitious pledge to designate five new Ramsar Sites by 2030—cementing the country’s leadership in global wetland conservation.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu during a press briefing on Tuesday evening, ahead of the official opening of the conference in Victoria Falls, a fitting backdrop given the city’s status as a Ramsar Site and natural world wonder.
Dr Ndlovu emphasised that wetlands are not only biodiversity hotspots but also vital infrastructure for climate resilience, describing them as the “lungs of the Earth.”
She said the Government’s commitment aligns with the country’s broader environmental policies and the urgent global call to action.
“This COP comes at an opportune time, just a week after the launch of the third Global Wetlands Outlook, which revealed the disproportionate benefits wetlands provide despite covering only 6 percent of the Earth’s terrestrial surface,” said Dr Ndlovu.
The Global Wetlands Outlook report revealed that 37 percent of wetlands have been lost since 1971, and freshwater species populations have declined by 84 percent since 1970. In Zimbabwe, while wetlands make up nearly 35 percent of the land area, 21 percent are considered severely degraded.
