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Wetlands conservation takes center stage as COP15 conference kicks off in Victoria Falls

Published

3 weeks ago

July 23, 2025

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.

National

Zimbabwe roads claim 24 lives over Heroes holiday

Published

10 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A total of 24 people lost their lives on Zimbabwe’s roads during the 2025 Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, according to statistics released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

The police reported 196 road traffic accidents, 13 of which were fatal, between August 11 and 13. This represents a significant increase from the previous year’s figures, which saw 149 accidents and eight fatalities.

Reckless driving, mechanical faults, speeding, and overtaking errors were cited as major causes of the accidents.

Two major accidents occurred during the period, including a fatal crash on the Mutare-Masvingo Road that claimed the lives of six Zion Christian Church congregants. Another accident on the Bindura-Shamva Road resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.

The police have urged motorists to prioritize vehicle maintenance, avoid speeding and reckless overtaking, and adhere to road rules and regulations to prevent further loss of life.

In the community

Dete teen convicted for theft

Published

19 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A Dete teenager has been convicted of breaking into a local shop and stealing goods and cash worth US$131.

Artwell Ncube, 18, of Lupote in Dete, was found guilty of aggravated unlawful entry by the Hwange Magistrates Court.

According to court records, Ncube used an unknown object to open the locked shop door between May 20 and 25, 2025. Once inside, he stole groceries, airtime, and US$50 in cash.

The shop owner unexpectedly returned to the premises on May 25 at midnight and found Ncube inside. The teenager fled, leaving some stolen items behind.

A subsequent police investigation led to Ncube’s arrest. Property worth US$31 was recovered.

Ncube was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, which was fully suspended on condition that he repays ZWG3 516.04 to the complainant within six months and performs 110 hours of community service at Lupote Clinic which he started on Wednesday.

In the community

Nightclub nightmare: Nkayi woman stabs man in brutal attack

Published

31 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 29-year-old Nkayi woman has escaped jail time after being convicted of assault for stabbing a man with a broken beer bottle during a violent altercation at a nightclub.

The incident occurred end of last month, at around 11 pm, when the victim, a 26-year-old man from Cowdray Park, was playing snooker with a friend.

The offender’s aunt caught the attention of the victim’s friend, provoking the offender, who struck the victim on the arm with an empty beer bottle.

The victim attempted to flee, but the offender pursued him, stabbing him once in the back with a broken beer bottle. The victim was left unconscious and rushed to Nkayi District Hospital, where he remains under medical care.

The Nkayi Magistrates’ Court sentenced the offender to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspending three months for five years on condition of good behavior.

The remaining 12 months were wholly suspended on the condition she performs 420 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has urged people to resolve disputes peacefully, emphasizing that violence has no place in communities.