Online Reporter
Leonard Ncube, [email protected]
PREPARATIONS for the hosting of the 2025 Conference of Contracting Parties (CoP15), which will be attended by over 170 countries in Victoria Falls, are progressing well, with the Government setting up a local organising committee to fine-tune processes ahead of the event.
Zimbabwe won the bid to host the event, set for 23-31 July 2025 in Victoria Falls, based on the tremendous work the country has done in wetlands conservation. The bid was made at the end of CoP14 to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, held in Geneva in December 2022.
Cabinet endorsed the hosting of the event last year, marking the start of preparations. The event will put Zimbabwe in the spotlight, and its management of wetlands will be subject to both local and international dialogue.
Key discussion areas will include the sustainable and wise use of wetlands, the protection of freshwater sources, and biodiversity conservation.
Earlier this month, the country hosted World Wetlands Day in Kasibo, Hwange, where the official launch to intensify preparation activities took place. Victoria Falls, home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, was also listed as one of the Ramsar-certified cities in the world.
In an interview, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, said two committees had been set up for the Ramsar Convention, one of which is based in Victoria Falls.
“Ramsar is coming. As you know, on the 6th we launched World Wetlands Day in Hwange, and on that day, we also launched a countdown to CoP15, which is going to attract 173 countries. Invitations have already been sent out.
“The ministry, Ramsar Secretariat, and other stakeholders met in Victoria Falls recently to assess the preparations, and I am glad to say the preparations are advanced. We are happy with the arrangements that have been made,” said Dr Nyoni.
She was speaking after launching the Wilderness Ngamo Livestock Farm and Vocational Centre in Ngamo, Tsholotsho, last Friday.
Last year, the Government sent a delegation from the Ministry of Environment to Switzerland to update the 63rd Standing Committee to the Ramsar Convention on the progress made in preparation for the conference, whose theme will be Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.
Dr Nyoni said the theme serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting wetlands as vital sources of water bodies.
Zimbabwe is the incoming CoP president. Over the last few years, the country has elevated wetlands conservation to a higher level. The Government has mapped all wetlands nationwide and now has a National Wetlands Policy alongside the attendant Wetlands Management Guidelines.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is the only international treaty focused on the sustainable management of wetlands, providing a platform for 172 Contracting Parties to work together for wetlands conservation and wise use.
Zimbabwe ratified the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on February 11, 2012 and has since designated seven wetlands as sites of international importance (Ramsar Sites). These are Victoria Falls, Driefontein Grasslands, Middle Zambezi/Mana Pools, Lake Chivero, Monavale Vlei, Chinhoyi Caves, and Cleveland Dam.– @ncubeleon
