Story by Tichaona Kurewa
VICTORIA FALLS – CLOSE to 3 000 delegates from over 170 countries, have registered to attend the prestigious Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) set to begin this Wednesday in the resort city of Victoria Falls.
The globally significant event will be hosted in Zimbabwe’s tourism capital, which also holds the prestigious status of a Ramsar Wetland City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Deputy Director for Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Ms Joyce Chapungu, confirmed the development in an interview with ZBC News in Victoria Falls.
“The conference has received overwhelming responses from across the globe. We have since surpassed our target. Initially we were expecting 2 000 delegates. We are now making provisions to accommodate the full number that may attend the convention,” she said.
The week-long conference, which runs from July 23 to 31, will feature high-level policy discussions, expert panels, and scientific engagements.
It will also include field visits aimed at showcasing Zimbabwe’s wetland conservation efforts.
“We will visit Kasibo Wetland in Hwange District, one of the flagship wetlands in Matabeleland North Province, to show the world what Zimbabwe is doing in terms of wetland preservation. Delegates will also have opportunities to explore Victoria Falls’ tourism offerings during mid-session breaks and designated free time,” Ms Chapungu said.
Heads of State, government ministers, scientists, wetland experts, and various stakeholders are among the delegates expected at the event.
Local businesses and tourism players are also preparing for the influx of international visitors, with the conference anticipated to provide significant economic benefits and enhance Victoria Falls’ standing on the global environmental stage.
This year’s convention comes at a crucial juncture as countries grapple with the escalating effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity challenges that continue to impact the Southern African region.
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the Ramsar COP15 reflects its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and global collaboration in the protection of wetlands and biodiversity.
