Story by Abigirl Tembo
TAJIKISTAN – ZIMBABWE’s readiness to host the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands has received high praise from the head of the Convention’s Secretariat, Dr Musonda Mumba, who cited strong political will and leadership at the highest levels of government.
Following a closed-door meeting with Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga on the sidelines of the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Dr Mumba expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s commitment to wetland conservation and environmental diplomacy.
The Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands will hold its COP15 summit in Victoria Falls from July 23 to 31. The event is expected to draw global delegations, including heads of state, scientists, and environmental leaders.
“We stand ready to support Zimbabwe and continue supporting Zimbabwe. There is considerable interest from a number of heads of state keen to participate in this event. The government of Zimbabwe is exploring the possibility of a high-level segment for Presidents, mainly from the SADC region to discuss shared waters and wetlands and how to amplify this agenda across the region.
“I have witnessed remarkable leadership from His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who currently chairs SADC. At the recent KAZA meeting, the shared water region, Zimbabwe’s leadership has been instrumental, with the programme now benefiting from donor funding. There is significant work ongoing around wetland restoration and raising awareness of their importance. It is also notable that Zimbabwe now boasts its first-ever wetland-accredited city,” Dr Mumba said.
Echoing these sentiments, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, confirmed that preparations for COP15 are progressing well.
“We are more than ready,” Dr Ndlovu said.
“An inter-ministerial cabinet committee is already on the ground in Victoria Falls, managing logistics, funding, and accommodation. Interest from the international community is growing, even the Vice President of Iran has indicated intent to attend. Iran hosted the inaugural COP, and now it is our turn as the 15th host nation to help shape the future of wetland protection.”
As the global community prepares to converge on Victoria Falls next month, Zimbabwe is positioning itself to host a successful COP15 that will steer vital conversations on the preservation of natural ecosystems.
