Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa will officially open the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Victoria Falls later this month, marking a historic moment as Zimbabwe becomes the first Southern African country to host the global summit and assume presidency of the convention.
The conference, running from July 23 to 31, will see representatives of over 170 countries converge in the resort city, bringing together Heads of State, ministers, environmentalists and other stakeholders in wetland preservation from across the world.
In an interview with The Herald yesterday, communications and advocacy deputy director in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Ms Joyce Chapungu, said: “This is a very important opportunity for us as Zimbabwe.
“We are proud to have this chance to be on the world map, to raise our flag high in hosting this conference of the contracting parties”.
President Mnangagwa is expected to reaffirm the country’s commitment to sustainable environmental stewardship when he officially opens the conference.
The event, Ms Chapungu added will also be attended by regional and international leaders, including Heads of State from the SADC region.
“This is not just an environmental milestone,” she said.
“It is also an economic opportunity. Our tourism sector and the broader economy will benefit immensely from the presence of international delegates.”
Zimbabwe’s assumption of the COP presidency will span three years, ending in 2028, during which it will lead global discussions and policy direction on wetland conservation.
This puts Zimbabwe at the helm of one of the most significant environmental conventions under the United Nations framework.
“From this July up until 2028, we are going to be leading all conversations and all processes related to the sustainable management of wetlands,” said Ms Chapungu.
“We are not starting from scratch; Zimbabwe already has a number of successful wetland management projects, but assuming the COP presidency will amplify our voice and allow us to learn from others as well.”
COP15 would also feature the certification of wetland cities with Victoria Falls earning the honour of being accredited under the Ramsar Convention.
Information and Communications manager at the Forestry Commission Ms Violet Makoto said one of the highlights of the COP15 agenda would be a field visit to Kasibo Wetland in Hwange, which has undergone successful restoration.
“This is where the world will witness how we are integrating conservation with community livelihoods,” she said.
“The communities around Kasibo are now benefiting directly through projects such as beekeeping and mushroom farming.”
The commission is also promoting forest-based enterprises as part of its woodland management strategy.
