Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Victoria Falls
THE City of Victoria Falls has been officially certified as an accredited Wetland City under the Ramsar Convention, joining an elite group of 74 cities worldwide recognised for their commitment to wetland conservation.
In a momentous celebration of environmental stewardship, the Victoria Falls Mayor, Councillor Prince Moyo, received the prestigious certificate on Thursday afternoon at the ongoing COP15 in Victoria Falls, marking a historic milestone for the city.
The accreditation highlights the city’s dedication to preserving its vital wetlands, including the iconic Victoria Falls, a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.
The Wetland City Accreditation scheme was introduced by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty established in 1971 to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands globally.
With 172 Contracting Parties, the Convention has long emphasised the importance of protecting these critical ecosystems, which provide essential services such as water purification, flood control, and biodiversity preservation.
The accreditation scheme (under Resolutions XII.10 and XVI.10) is a voluntary initiative designed to encourage cities near wetlands, particularly those of international importance, to strengthen their relationship with these ecosystems.
By earning this recognition, cities like Victoria Falls gain international acclaim for their conservation efforts while fostering sustainable development and public awareness.
The certification of Victoria Falls follows the announcement of the 31 newly accredited Wetland Cities which was made on 24 January 2025, during the 64th meeting of the Ramsar Standing Committee.
This recognition signifies the city’s role as a leader in sustainable urban development and ecological preservation.
In an exclusive interview following the accreditation, Victoria Falls Town Planning Director, Ms Ntombizami Ncube, reflected on the city’s journey, emphasising the collective effort that made the prestigious achievement possible.
“We are so thrilled to be handed a certificate of accreditation as a city. Our journey has not been easy, but this accreditation acknowledges the efforts we have put in as a city, together with our stakeholders and communities, in conserving our wetlands,” she said.
Ms Ncube highlighted the city’s multi-stakeholder approach, involving partnerships with ZimParks, the Forestry Commission, local schools and businesses to protect the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.
“We participate in the preparation of management plans for the property, working jointly with Zambia through joint site committees. These committees meet regularly to monitor developments and the conservation status of these areas,” she said.
Victoria Falls has implemented strict environmental policies to maintain its ecological integrity.
These include development control, ensuring minimal construction in sensitive zones, particularly the “red zone” near the falls, afforestation programs, mandating that for every tree cut, three indigenous trees must be planted, waste management where regular clean-up campaigns, including the national monthly clean-up initiative and private sector partnerships for street adoptions, as well as public awareness through continuous engagement with schools, youth groups and businesses to promote wetland conservation education.
“We do not allow buildings that go beyond tree height level (11 metres). We also ensure that for every development, if you cut a tree, you plant three, especially indigenous trees. Some of our indigenous trees are now 100 years old — we want this legacy to continue,” she said.
The accreditation is expected to bring multiple benefits, including enhanced global recognition, ecosystem protection, tourism growth as well as stronger partnerships.
“Everyone here in Victoria Falls depends on this wetland. It is our livelihood. We must continue to engage stakeholders so that together, we preserve this treasure,” she said.
While celebrating this achievement, city officials stressed that the work does not end here.
The accreditation serves as both an honour and a responsibility, a reminder that conservation must remain a priority for sustainable growth.
Victoria Falls stands proudly alongside cities such as Trelew in Argentina, Mechelen in Belgium, Kasane-Kazungula, Shakawe both in Botswana amongst other cities that bask in the glory of the well-deserved recognition.
