KEY POINTS
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President Mnangagwa opened COP15, the first such event in Ramsar’s history led by a sitting head of state.
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Victoria Falls received Ramsar Wetland City status for its commitment to preserving wetland ecosystems.
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The summit aims to drive global cooperation on wetland protection, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands, COP15, in Victoria Falls on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment for both Zimbabwe and global efforts in wetland conservation.
The high-profile environmental summit, themed “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” is the first in the Ramsar Convention’s 55-year history to be opened by a head of state. This groundbreaking gesture underscores Zimbabwe’s growing influence in global environmental diplomacy and its commitment to sustainable development.
President Mnangagwa, accompanied by regional heads of state and deputy leaders, arrived earlier in the day to a rousing welcome at Victoria Falls International Airport. Hundreds of citizens lined the runway, waving flags and cheering, while top government officials including Vice President Kembo Mohadi, and Ministers Evelyn Ndlovu (Environment), Barbara Rwodzi (Tourism), and Torerai Moyo (Education) received the president.
“This gathering is not only about Zimbabwe—it is about the world coming together to save our vital ecosystems for future generations,” said the president during his keynote address. “Wetlands are not wastelands. They are lifelines.”
Victoria Falls City earns global recognition
The opening ceremony coincided with a milestone moment for the host city: Victoria Falls was officially awarded the Ramsar Wetland City accreditation. This places the city among an elite global group of just 31 municipalities recognized for their unwavering dedication to protecting wetland ecosystems.
The recognition follows years of grassroots and policy-driven efforts, including the integration of wetland education into school curricula, anti-littering campaigns, community clean-ups, and partnerships with groups like the Environmental Management Agency and the Victoria Falls Pristine Society.
“This recognition is a testament to the work we’ve done as a city, combining community awareness with strong regulations to safeguard our natural heritage,” said a city official during the event.
Zimbabwe’s wetlands, often described as the “kidneys of the earth,” are vital to the country’s ecological and economic health. These ecosystems help purify water, store carbon, regulate floods, and provide livelihoods for thousands of rural Zimbabweans through fishing, agriculture, and tourism.
According to the Ramsar Secretariat, wetland areas globally have declined by over 35% since 1970—three times faster than forests—making conservation efforts like those in Victoria Falls all the more urgent.
Experts hope COP15 will drive three major shifts: the launch of the Victoria Falls Declaration, formal integration of wetlands into national development plans, and accelerated adoption of technological innovations in conservation.
Delegates from over 170 countries are attending the summit, which aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including clean water (SDG 6), climate action (SDG 13), and biodiversity (SDGs 14 and 15).
Zimbabwe’s successful hosting of COP15 has also sparked optimism about the nation’s growing capacity to organize international events while promoting ecological stewardship.
“Zimbabwe is proud to lead by example,” said Minister Evelyn Ndlovu. “Our natural resources are not just for us—they are a legacy for the world.”
The COP15 conference continues throughout the week with high-level discussions, technical workshops, and field visits to key wetland sites around Victoria Falls.
