Overview
One hundred and seventy-two governments will convene at the 15th meeting of the Convention on Wetlands to strengthen international commitments for wetland conservation. Scheduled for 23-31 July 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, COP15 embraces the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”, which emphasizes the important role wetlands play in sustaining ecological health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Against the iconic backdrop of Victoria Falls, COP15 will spotlight the value of wetlands and create new avenues for collaborative conservation to protect and restore the world’s freshwater resources and habitats.
COP15, with participation from 172 Contracting Parties, will facilitate crucial discussions on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, serving as a global platform for advancing wetland conservation, fostering international collaboration, and promoting sustainable practices that protect these vital ecosystems and their benefits.
The theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future” aligns with global goals on biodiversity and climate, focusing on wetlands’ role in sustainable development. It emphasizes the critical role that wetlands play in ensuring ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and providing essential resources for human beings. COP15 also aims to drive forward the Freshwater Challenge, encouraging Contracting Parties to scale up their commitments to wetland restoration and freshwater resource protection.
As host to seven Ramsar Sites, including the renowned Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe has actively promoted environmental sustainability as a Contracting Party since 2013. Zimbabwe will use the host opportunity to showcase leadership in wetland conservation
Zimbabwe COP 15 activities will include the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) which recognizes cities that make exceptional efforts to safeguard urban wetlands, spotlighting urban conservation’s role in global environmental health. The 172 Contracting Parties to the Convention have agreed to the conservation and wise use of wetlands in their territories.
A Special Edition of the Global Wetlands Outlook 2025 will be released at COP15, providing updated insights into wetland health, conservation priorities, and recommendations for sustainable management practices. The purpose of the Global Wetlands Outlook is to increase understanding of the value of wetlands and provide recommendations to ensure that wetlands are conserved, wisely used and their benefits recognized and valued by all
The importance of wetlands and the Convention on Wetlands
Although they account for just a fraction of global land cover, wetlands are among the planet’s most productive ecosystems. They deliver essential services including flood control, carbon storage, and habitat preservation. The world has lost 35% of its wetlands since 1970, a trend the Convention seeks to reverse by promoting their conservation and wise use.
Key facts and objectives for COP15:
- Global participation: 172 countries will be represented at COP15, alongside NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, and observers.
- Theme and focus: The theme “Promoting Wetlands for Our Common Future” aligns with global goals on biodiversity and climate, focusing on wetlands’ role in sustainable development.
- Freshwater challenge: COP15 aims to drive forward the Freshwater Challenge, encouraging Contracting Parties to scale up their commitments to wetland restoration and freshwater resource protection.
- Highlighting wetlands in global environmental agendas: The COP will emphasize the role of wetlands in multilateral processes, including biodiversity conservation and climate change resilience, enhancing their visibility in global policy.
- Zimbabwe’s leadership in conservation: Host to seven Ramsar Sites, including the renowned Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe has actively promoted environmental sustainability as a Contracting Party since 2013.
- Urban conservation efforts: The Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) will recognize cities that make exceptional efforts to safeguard urban wetlands, spotlighting urban conservation’s role in global environmental health.
Key report: The Global Wetland Outlook: Special Edition 2025 will be released at COP15, providing updated insights into wetland health, conservation priorities, and recommendations for sustainable management