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.
