Story by Memory Chamisa
AS Zimbabwe prepares to host the upcoming 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands within the next ten days, the government is leveraging the event to showcase its commitment to wetland conservation and sustainable development.
The conference will bring together representatives from over 170 countries, including Heads of State, ministers, scientists, and experts in wetland conservation, to address pressing global challenges related to the sustainable management of wetlands.
Zimbabwe is the first country in Southern Africa, and the second after Uganda, to preside over this global environmental convention.
Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife spokesperson, Mrs Joyce Chapungu, highlighted the country’s readiness to host the prestigious environmental event.
“This is a critical moment for us to demonstrate our leadership in environmental stewardship and inspire other nations to follow suit. We are expecting Heads of State from member countries, including SADC Heads of State, environmentalists, and scientists. All will be gathered from the 23rd to the 31st of July.
“Of note is how Zimbabwe will assume the COP presidency. Zimbabwe’s presidency of the Ramsar COP will span three years, until 2028, placing the country at the forefront of international policymaking on wetlands under the framework of the United Nations. During this period, Zimbabwe will coordinate efforts among contracting parties to promote the protection, restoration, and wise use of wetland ecosystems worldwide,” Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Deputy Director Advocacy and Communications, Mrs Joyce Chapungu said.
Zimbabwe has taken initiatives to safeguard its wetland resources through the development of a comprehensive Wetlands Management Act, which aligns with the principles of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
This legislation, coupled with the country’s existing Environmental Management Act, aims to strengthen the regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms for wetland protection.
