BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Fastjet Zimbabwe is set to expand its domestic route network with the introduction of flights from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, starting August 8.

The new route will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

According to Nunurai Ndawana, spokesperson for Fastjet Zimbabwe, “The new Bulawayo to Victoria Falls flight strengthens our presence in Bulawayo and underscores our commitment to the development of tourism region.” Ndawana added, “Our four times a week flights will offer more travel opportunities and support both leisure and corporate travel between the two cities, reaffirming our position as a key airline partner in connecting the Matabeleland region.”

Vivian Ruwuya, Fastjet Zimbabwe’s Chief Commercial Officer, noted that “This has been a long time coming. We have been monitoring the development and traffic trends between the manufacturing city of Bulawayo and our tourism hub of Victoria Falls. The introduction of a scheduled service is a result of widespread consultative engagements and collaboration with key players in the industry.”

Fastjet Zimbabwe will deploy its Embraer fleet on the new route, offering customers a comfortable flight experience. The flight schedule is as follows:

– BUQ-VFA Flight FN8111: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, departing Bulawayo at 13:25 and arriving in Victoria Falls at 14:20.
– VFA-BUQ Flight FN8112: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, departing Victoria Falls at 14:50 and arriving in Bulawayo at 15:45.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The highly anticipated Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15) kicked off today, in Victoria Falls.

The conference brings together representatives from 172 countries to discuss critical wetland matters.

In a press briefing held yesterday evening, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Evelyn Ndlovu, welcomed delegates to the conference, emphasizing the importance of wetlands in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.

“Wetland conservation is not an environmental luxury; it is a hydrological necessity, a climate imperative, and a development obligation,” Minister Ndlovu stressed.

The minister highlighted the alarming rate of wetland loss, citing the Global Wetlands Outlook report, which reveals that 37% of wetlands have been lost since the Convention’s establishment in 1971. She also noted that freshwater species populations have declined by 84% since 1970.

The minister emphasized Zimbabwe’s commitment to wetland conservation, announcing plans to designate five new Ramsar Sites by 2030 and restore 250 000 hectares of degraded wetlands.

The COP15 conference, which runs until July 31, aims to address pressing issues affecting the world’s wetlands. The conference will feature plenary sessions, regional meetings, and a field trip to Kasibo Wetland in Hwange.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is expected to officiate at the event.

The conference is expected to catalyze three key paradigm shifts: adopting the Victoria Falls Declaration, integrating wetland considerations into Nationally Determined Contributions and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, and embracing technological solutions through the launch of the Global Wetland Watch digital monitoring platform.

As the conference gets underway, all eyes are on Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, as global leaders gather to address the critical issue of wetlands conservation.

BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

In just a few days, the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) will convene in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, bringing together representatives from over 170 countries to discuss the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Scheduled to take place from 23-31, July, 2025, the conference will address pressing issues affecting the world’s wetlands, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.

The eight-day conference will feature a range of activities, including regional meetings, plenary sessions, and consideration of draft resolutions and recommendations. Key topics on the agenda include the Strategic Plan of the Convention 2025-2034, financial and budgetary matters, and the responsibilities and roles of the Standing Committee.

High-level dignitaries, including government ministers, international organization representatives, and civil society leaders, are expected to attend the conference. The event will provide a critical platform for international cooperation and coordination on wetland conservation and sustainable use.

The conference will also feature the presentation of the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award winners, recognizing outstanding achievements in wetland conservation and management.

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development, the COP15 conference is expected to produce significant outcomes and decisions that will shape the future of wetland management and conservation.