Programme for COP15
The programme of events during COP15 shall include regional meetings, side
events and excursions as well as plenary sessions for all participants.
08:00 – 19:00 Registration (continues each day until 31 July)
09:00 – 12:00 Regional meetings
12:00 – 14:00 Lunch break
14:00 – 16:00 Regional meetings
16:30 – 18:30 65th Meeting of the Standing Committee (subsequently to meet as the Conference Bureau)
18:45 – 20:15 Meeting of the Ramsar Regional Initiatives
08:00 – 20:00 Registration (continued)
10:00 – 11:00 Opening ceremony
Welcome video on wetlands
National Anthem
Flag handover ceremony
H.E. opening statement
Opening statements (5 min each)
- Representative of China
- CEO of the Global Environment Facility
- Representative of IOPs
11:00 – 13:00 High-level ministerial segment
H.E. opening statement
Ministerial statements
13:00 – 15:00 Lunch break
14:30 – 18:30 20.1 Wetland City Accreditation: Presentation of certificates
15:00 – 18:00 Regional meetings
18:30 – 20:30 Welcome reception by the Host Country
08:00 – 19:00 Registration (continued)
08:00 – 08:45 Meeting of the Conference Bureau
08:45 – 09:45 Regional meetings
10:00 – 13:00 Plenary session
- Election of the President and Vice-Presidents and remarks by the President
- Adoption of the provisional agenda and working programme
3.1 Provisional agenda
3.2 Provisional working programme
- Adoption of the Rules of Procedure
- Appointment of the Credentials Committee and any other committees
- Admission of observers
- Report of the Chair of the Standing Committee
- Report of the Secretary General and overview of the implementation of the Convention
8.1 Global implementation
8.2 Work of the Secretariat
13:00 – 15:00 Lunch break
15:00 – 17:30 Plenary session
- Report of the Secretariat pursuant to Article 8.2 on the List of Wetlands of International Importance
- Report of the Chair of the CEPA[1] Oversight Panel on implementation of the CEPA Programme 2016-2024
- Report of the Chair of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP)
- Report of the Secretariat on the Ramsar Regional Initiatives
- Report of the Secretariat on enhancing decision-making procedures and maintaining effective operation of the Convention during exceptional circumstances
- Report of the Secretariat on assessment of progress on wetland restoration
- Report of the Secretariat on opportunities to further strengthen the Convention’s contribution to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Report of the Secretariat on the implementation of Resolution XIV.20
- Report of the Secretariat on administrative and financial implications of draft resolutions
- Financial report for 2019-2021 by the Chair of the Subgroup on Finance of the Standing Committee, and proposed budget for the 2023-2025 triennium
20.2 Report of the Independent Advisory Committee on the implementation progress and financing of the Wetland City Accreditation
[1] CEPA: Communication, capacity building, education, participation and awareness.
08:00 – 19:00 Registration (continued)
08:00 – 08:45 Meeting of the Conference Bureau
08:45 – 09:45 Regional meetings
10:00 – 13:00 Plenary session
- Consolidation of existing Resolutions
22.1. Consolidated Resolution on the assessment of wetland values and services
22.2 Consolidated Resolution on water, water-related and water-management maters
22.3 Consolidated Resolution on inventories
- Consideration of the draft resolutions and recommendations submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee
13:00 – 15:00 Lunch break
15:00 – 18:00 Plenary session
- Consideration of the draft resolutions and recommendations submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)
08:00 – 08:45 Meeting of the Conference Bureau
08:00 – 19:00 Registration (continued)
08:45 – 09:45 Regional meetings
10:00 – 13:00 Plenary session
23. Consideration of the draft resolutions and recommendations submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)
13:00 – 15:00 Lunch break
15:00 – 18:00 Plenary session
23. Consideration of the draft resolutions and recommendations submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)
08:00 – 08:45 Meeting of the Conference Bureau
08:00 – 19:00 Registration (continued)
08:45 – 09:45 Regional meetings
10:00 – 13:00 Plenary session
- Consideration of the draft resolutions and recommendations submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)
13:00 – 15:00 Lunch break
15:00 – 17:00 Plenary session
- Election of contracting Parties to the Standing Committee for 2025-2028
- Consideration of the draft resolutions and recommendations submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)
17:00 – 18:00 21. Presentation of the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award winners
08:00 – 08:45 Meeting of the Conference Bureau (if needed)
- Field visits
08:00 – 08:45 Meeting of the Conference Bureau
08:00 – 19:00 Registration (continued)
08:45 – 09:45 Regional meetings
10:00 – 13:00 Plenary session
- Consideration of the draft resolutions and recommendations submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)
13:00 – 15:00 Lunch break
15:00 – 18:00 Plenary session
- Consideration of the draft resolutions and recommendations submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)
08:00 – 15:00 Registration (continued)
08:30 – 08:45 Meeting of the Conference Bureau
(with Standing Committee 2025-2028 members as observers)
08:45 – 09:45 Regional meetings
10:00 – 13:00 Plenary session
- Report of the Credentials Committee
- Consideration of the draft resolutions and recommendations submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)
13:00 – 15:00 Lunch break
15:00 – 17:00 Plenary session
- Date and venue of the next ordinary meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties
- Any other business
- Adoption of the report of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties
- Close of the meeting
17:30 – 18:30 66th meeting of the Standing Committee (incoming members to elect officers, subgroup and working group members, and agree the date and venue of the first full meeting)
COP15 Services
Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke That Thunders"), is a majestic waterfall located on the Zambezi River, straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It's renowned for its sheer size and breathtaking beauty, making it one of the world's most iconic natural wonders.
The falls stretch across a width of 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) and plummet over a height of 108 meters (354 feet), creating a thunderous cascade of water that generates a massive cloud of mist. This mist, along with the rainbows it produces, adds to the spectacle of Victoria Falls.
The surrounding area is a haven for wildlife, with diverse ecosystems supporting a variety of animals, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the falls from various vantage points, including the rainforest trail, the Devil's Cataract, and the Livingstone Island, offering unique perspectives of this natural marvel.
Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to witness its awe-inspiring power and natural splendor.
Here are some of the must-do activities in Victoria Falls:
1. Witness the Majestic Victoria Falls:
Main Falls: The iconic view of the falls, where the Zambezi River plunges into a deep gorge.
Devil's Cataract: A powerful waterfall with a dramatic drop, offering stunning views.
Rainforest Trail: A scenic walk through lush rainforest, leading to various viewpoints of the falls.
2. Thrilling Adventures:
White-Water Rafting: Experience the adrenaline rush of navigating the Zambezi River's rapids.
Bungee Jumping: Leap off the Victoria Falls Bridge for an unforgettable experience.
Zip Lining: Soar through the Batoka Gorge, taking in breathtaking views of the falls.
Gorge Swinging: Swing over the edge of the gorge, feeling the rush of adrenaline.
3. Wildlife Encounters:
Zambezi River Cruise: Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and various bird species on a scenic boat cruise.
Game Drives: Explore the surrounding national parks, such as Hwange National Park, to see lions, leopards, and other wildlife.
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Zambezi River Cruise, Victoria Falls
4. Cultural Experiences:
The Boma Dinner and Drum Show: Enjoy a traditional African dinner and cultural performance.
Village Tours: Visit a local village to learn about the culture and traditions of the people.
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Boma Dinner and Drum Show, Victoria Falls
5. Scenic Flights:
Helicopter Tour: Get a bird's-eye view of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
Remember to choose the activities that best suit your interests and comfort level. Victoria Falls offers a diverse range of experiences, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for everyone.