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Mashudu Netsianda in Hwange

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday officially launched the countdown to the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15), which Zimbabwe will host in July this year.

The 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP14) took place from November 5 to 13, 2022 in Wuhan (China) at the East Lake International Conference Centre (ELICC) and Geneva (Switzerland) at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG).

Kasibo wetlands in Hwange

The opening ceremony and the high-level segment were in a hybrid mode with participation of invited representatives both in Wuhan and Geneva linked via video. Negotiations and all other aspects of COP14 took place in-person in Geneva.

As the countdown officially begins, Zimbabwe is intensifying preparations to host the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, a landmark global event set to take place in Victoria Falls from July 23 to 31.

Addressing stakeholders in a speech read on his behalf by Defence Minister, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri during the belated World Wetlands Day commemorations at Kasibo in Hwange District yesterday, President Mnangagwa stressed the importance of the conference and said only 170 days remain before Zimbabwe play host to the historic event.

Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri plants a tree at Kasibo garden during the belated commemorations of world wetlands day at Kasibo in Hwange yesterday

“I, therefore, compel that this countdown be flighted and announced every day on all key national and international media platforms to ensure the whole world and entire nation remains reminded of COP15 and the legacy we want to build on wetlands,” President Mnangagwa said.

Zimbabwe’s selection to host the COP15 signifies its growing role as a leader in wetland conservation. 

The country is home to seven Ramsar-designated wetlands, including Victoria Falls, Driefontein Grasslands and Lake Chivero, which are internationally recognised for their ecological significance. 

These wetlands play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, water purification and climate change mitigation.

Minister of Defence, RAMSA secretary General Dr Musonda Mumba and Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Sithembiso Nyoni share notes during the belated commemorations of world wetlands day at Kasibo in Hwange yesterday

President Mnangagwa also stressed the diplomatic and environmental significance of the upcoming event, describing it as a vital platform for fostering international partnerships. 

“COP15 meeting is essential in building stronger diplomatic partnerships as contracting parties to the Convention on Wetlands and ensuring that the protection of wetlands remains a global priority for our common future,” he said.

The Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1971, seeks to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. With over 170 contracting parties, the convention underlines the importance of wetlands as essential ecosystems supporting both human livelihoods and wildlife. 

President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude to the Ramsar Secretariat, particularly its secretary general, Dr Musonda Mumba, for supporting Zimbabwe’s successful bid to host the prestigious conference.

“I want to promise you and the whole world that Zimbabwe will do its best to ensure that COP15 is successful,” he said.

The President further extended a call to nations across the world to actively participate in COP15. 

“I want to encourage contracting countries around the world to participate in COP15 as a conference of significant opportunity for dialogue on global wetland issues and collaborative efforts towards sustainable management practices,” he said.

Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri chats with National Aids Council representative Anesu Siwela during the belated world wetlands day commemorations at Kasibo in Hwange yesterday.

“As Zimbabwe, we stand tall and proud as a leader in wetland conservation that promote international co-operation and growth. I am equally proud that we will be hosting you at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of our Seven National Ramsar sites. 

“To that end, we are excited to welcome you to converse and contribute positively towards global wetland protection initiatives.”

Zimbabwe has been making strides in wetland preservation through legislative frameworks such as the Environmental Management Act, which protects wetlands from degradation. 

Fish pond at Kasibo garden

However, President Mnangagwa noted that rapid urbanisation, agriculture expansion and climate change continue to pose challenges, necessitating stronger conservation efforts. 

“Globally wetlands are facing unprecedented threats from rapid urbanisation, agriculture and land degradation, pollution, deforestation and effects of climate change. 

“These threats not only undermine the environmental services provided by wetlands but also put at risk the communities that depend on them for their survival,” he said

Kasibo garden member Mrs Fungai Khumalo shows her butter ready for harvest at the garden at Kasibo in Hwange

President Mnangagwa said protection of wetlands for posterity remains unquestionable the world over. “The future of our wetlands is in our hands and so is our futures. Therefore, let us protect wetlands for our common future. Value wetlands, protect wetlands, inspire others to value and protect wetlands,” he said.

Victoria Falls, the venue for COP15, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance. Its selection as the host city aligns with Zimbabwe’s commitment to balancing environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.

Man-made Kasibo dam that is fed by wetlands

The conference is expected to attract environmentalists, policymakers, scientists and international delegates, all converging to deliberate on strategies for wetland conservation amid the challenges posed by climate change. 

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is poised to showcase its commitment to global environmental stewardship while leveraging the event to drive sustainable development initiatives.