Rutendo Nyeve in VICTORIA FALLS
ZIMBABWE yesterday officially assumed the Presidency of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), taking over from the People’s Republic of China, with President Mnangagwa urging the world to act boldly and decisively to safeguard wetlands and address drivers of wetlands loss.
The handover was witnessed by President Mnangagwa at the official opening of COP15 in Victoria Falls in a momentous ceremony marked by symbolism and global solidarity.
The event was graced by high-ranking dignitaries, including the Vice President of Malawi, Dr Michael Bizwick Usi and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Russel Mmiso Dlamini.
Also present were representatives from the United Nations, conservation bodies and indigenous communities, underscoring the global significance of wetland preservation.
Outgoing COP president, Mr Xia Jun of China, formally handed over the Ramsar Convention flag to Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Evelyn Ndlovu, symbolising the transfer of leadership for the next three years.
President Mnangagwa hailed the occasion as a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe and the global community.
“Today, we thus, gather as representatives of our nations and as stewards of a shared heritage and future. We are one-united people and citizens of our planet Earth, with a sacred duty to protect that which has been entrusted to us by Almighty God, for both present and future generations.
“It is in this spirit, therefore, that the theme of this Conference, ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,’ is timely, in its emphasis on the role of wetlands in ecological health, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience,” he said.
The President underscored the importance of wetlands to economies.
“Wetlands, which include swamps, marshes, fens, bogs, estuaries, mangroves, and peatlands, are crucial habitats for about 40 percent of the earth’s species. They provide livelihoods for more than a billion people. To neglect wetlands would be to abandon a critical portion of our existence,” he said.
He further outlined the multifaceted benefits of wetlands, including water purification, flood control, and carbon storage, which align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“All these benefits complement efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in addressing poverty (Goal 1) and hunger (Goal 2); water supply challenges (Goal 6); promoting sustainable human settlements (Goal 11); Climate Action (Goal 13) and Partnerships (Goal 17),” he said.
Despite their importance, President Mnangagwa warned that wetlands face unprecedented threats.
“Wetlands are among the most threatened habitats on Earth. They face challenges such as habitat loss and degradation due to urbanisation and development, agricultural expansion, and climate change, leading to shifts in wetland distribution, and altered hydrological cycles, among others,” he said.
He called for urgent, collaborative action to reverse the decline, stressing the need for innovative restoration techniques, robust policy frameworks, and community involvement.
“Now is the time for us to change our mind-sets and start implementing multi-faceted and collaborative approaches towards protecting our wetlands,” he said.
The President outlined Zimbabwe’s strides in wetland conservation since ratifying the Ramsar Convention on 3 May 2013.
“Zimbabwe embarked on its journey in wetland conservation with a notable commitment to environmental stewardship by ratifying the Ramsar Convention. Since then, we have designated seven (7) Ramsar sites, highlighting our dedication to wetland conservation and preservation, which resonates with our commitment to provide all Zimbabweans with a clean, safe, and healthy environment as enshrined in the National Constitution,” he said.
A key outcome of COP15 is the anticipated endorsement of the Victoria Falls Declaration, a landmark framework aimed at galvanising global efforts for wetland conservation.
President Mnangagwa elaborated on its significance:
“At the centre of this Declaration is the acknowledgement of the critical ecological, social, and economic importance of wetlands, and their global significance for sustainable livelihoods.
“The Declaration also serves as a guide and reminder for us to conserve, restore, and sustainably manage wetlands. Equally, we should remain seized with the enormous challenges facing wetland conservation, especially in the context of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.”
He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to championing resource mobilisation and international collaboration. “
“My Government commits to champion resource mobilisation for sustainable wetland management, rehabilitation, and collaboration. This includes building strong linkages among partners such as other multilateral environmental agencies, countries, institutions, the private sector, and stakeholders
“The scale of wetland loss and its associated threats demands immediate and cooperative action from all stakeholders. Time has come to secure the guaranteed preservation of wetlands as a foundation for a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future,” he said.
He urged delegates to move beyond rhetoric and embrace implementation.
“While the formulation of policies and adoption of resolutions are essential, their effective implementation is even more critical, along with our readiness to invest in wetland protection. Therefore, let this COP15 be recognised for taking concrete steps from discussion to implementation,” he said.
The President expressed gratitude to the outgoing COP President, China, and the Ramsar Secretariat for their support.
“I appreciate the sterling work done by the outgoing COP President, the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The guidance and support you provided to us in preparation for our Presidency are highly appreciated,” he said.
With the declaration of COP15 officially open, Zimbabwe now stands at the helm of global wetland conservation efforts, poised to lead with innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment.
As the world watches, the Victoria Falls Declaration is set to be a cornerstone in the fight to preserve these vital ecosystems for generations to come.