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 5 to 13 November 2022 in Wuhan (China) at the East Lake
International Conference Centre (ELICC) and Geneva (Switzerland) at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG).
The opening ceremony and high-level segment were in a hybrid format, with the participation of invited representatives both in Wuhan and Geneva
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 Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri at the belated World Wetlands Day commemorations at Kasibo in Hwange District yesterday, President Mnangagwa stressed the importance of the conference, declaring that only 170 days remain until the historic event.
“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 the entire nation remains reminded of COP15 and the legacy we want to build on wetlands,” President Mnangagwa said.
Zimbabwe’s selection as the host country for 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.
The President 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.