Zimbabwe is bidding to host the main wetlands summit in 2025, with Cabinet now approving plans by the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry to host the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The meeting, scheduled for Victoria Falls, will see leaders from various countries converge in the country to discuss ways to use wetlands sustainably.
Addressing the post Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the hosting of the meeting would augur well for the country’s engagement and reengagement drive.
“The hosting of COP 15 will spur the Second Republic’s international community re-engagement and engagement agenda and prove that the country is a peaceful, stable, growing and attractive international travel destination,” she said.
“The resort city of Victoria Falls is evidence that the country is committed to sustainable use and conservation of natural resources. Furthermore, the event will provide local tourism players with a platform to market the country as a tourist destination and attract foreign investment.”
Zimbabwe would also take advantage of COP 15 to extend its influence and leadership on the global stage in environmental governance, stewardship and diplomacy.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975.
Since then, almost 90 percent of UN member states have become contracting parties, that is committed to the convention’s three pillars that include working towards the wise use of all their wetlands, designating suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands International Importance and ensuring their effective management as well as cooperating internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems and shared species. – The Herald
