Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma Online Reporter
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has committed to facilitating developmental projects in Zimbabwe, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Dr Evelyn Ndlovu is currently in France, where she met with UNESCO Director-General Ms Audrey Azoulay on the sidelines of the 2025 United Nations Oceans Conference.
The meeting was meant to discuss various developmental programmes in Zimbabwe and the RAMSA COP 15 conference to be held in the country from 23 to 31 July, 2025.
COP15 will be held under the theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”.
In an interview with Zimpapers from France, Minister Ndlovu said the meeting was fruitful and will see the introduction of various programmes that empower the future generation.
“Today (Tuesday), we had a meeting with the Director-General of UNESCO here in France. It was a good conversation where we deliberated on the support that we get from UNESCO
In terms of our wetlands, UNESCO designated wetlands including the Victoria Falls, the Mana Pools, and quite a number in Chimanimani.
“We also deliberated on the programme for us to educate our children about oceans. The programme is running in South Africa and other countries. UNESCO agreed that we should work together to make sure that we educate our children about the ecosystem in the seas and the oceans,” said Minister Ndlovu.
She said the programme will educate them to know about the links between inlands and the oceans.
“We also want to teach them that the water that runs from our inlands like Zambezi River, Save River and Limpopo River ends up in the seas. So if they are polluted inland, that means we also participate in the pollution of our oceans.
“Once we pollute our oceans, then the ocean heats up and it affects our climate. So, climate change is real. We are looking forward to continuing to work with UNESCO in terms of designating some of our sites as heritage sites. One such centre is Anatali Ruins. I think they are in the process of considering them as a designated heritage site.
“Otherwise, we look forward to the Director General and her team participating at the RAMSA COP15 conference, which will take place at the Victoria Falls from the 23rd to the 31st of July,” said Minister Ndlovu.
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