Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe is a remarkable destination for international events and next month, the world will witness this first-hand when Victoria Falls welcomes delegates for the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), an international conservation treaty has said.
Ramsar, the intergovernmental treaty for wetland conservation and sustainable use, has nearly 90 percent of United Nations member states as contracting parties and will next month bring them to Zimbabwe from July 23 to 31.
Its Secretary-General Dr Musonda Mumba attended the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and took time to pay a courtesy call on Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who was in the eastern European country to cement economic diplomacy.
The COP conference is pivotal for global climate discussions, bringing together leaders, policymakers and environmental advocates to strategise on combating climate change, and it attracts a global audience, providing Zimbabwe with a platform to showcase its tourism; a critical pillar of the economy.
Zimbabwe’s role in hosting this conference is both an honour and an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship and international collaboration.
Dr Mumba noted Zimbabwe’s commendable track record, referencing the recent success of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) conference as a testament to the country’s organisational prowess.
As preparations for the COP conference intensify, the spotlight is firmly on Victoria Falls, one of the world’s natural wonders and Dr Mumba is upbeat that Zimbabwe will once again make the continent proud.
“I thanked Zimbabwe for all the work that it is doing in making sure that we prepare for COP15, which is happening in Victoria Falls in just a few weeks in July on the 23rd to the 31st, the world is coming to Zimbabwe,” said Dr Mumba.
“The Vice President (Dr Chiwenga) invited the world to come to this COP, this COP is where the world will be meeting to discuss why we should protect wetlands everywhere in the world.
“Zimbabwe is currently the chair of SADC; they have already hosted big presidential summits, brought everybody together, and really, have the capability and capacity to host big groups. This is why I am excited.
“I had the opportunity to visit Zimbabwe for the World Wetlands Day this February and I was blown away. It is really impressive, all the groundwork that is being put in, all the plans that have been put in and the world will be blown away.” Dr Mumba added that he was “deeply honoured” to have seen preparations for a COP from the beginning.
“Recently about a week ago, KAZA was hosted by the Government of Zimbabwe, bringing the Heads of States together to discuss the power of transboundary water management, superbly organised and really a demonstration of what is to come in the next few weeks when the world meets finally on the edge of Zambezi,” said Dr Mumba.
A number of countries are expected to be represented at Head of State level.
Endorsements from international figures like Dr Mumba are crucial for Zimbabwe, as they enhance the country’s reputation and attract potential investments in environmental conservation and sustainable development initiatives.
In the meeting, VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe is confident that the meeting will culminate in the adoption of the Victoria Falls Declaration and that the country looks forward to assuming the Presidency of the COP for the next three years.
He assured Ramsar that their proposal for a closed Presidential segment for the Heads of State and Government of SADC member States is being considered.
Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, who also attended the meeting between Dr Chiwenga and Dr Mumba, said they expect to host a successful and memorable conference.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment yesterday called on journalists wishing to cover the conference to start registering.
“Be part of this global event. It’s quick and easy to sign up. Visit the COP15 website on www.wetlandscop15.gov.zw and simply click on the registration link, fill in your details, and remember to attach a nomination letter from your organisation.
“In just a few minutes, you will be all set to join other delegates from around the world at this important event to discuss everything on sustainable wetland management,” said the Ministry in a statement yesterday.
