Just hours before the commencement of COP15, the Government of Zimbabwe, represented by Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Hon. Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu, and Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands, Dr. Musonda Mumba, held a crucial press conference in Victoria Falls!
Minister Ndlovu emphasized the urgent need for action, revealing that “since the Convention’s establishment in 1971, 37% of wetlands have been lost, while freshwater species populations have declined by 84% since 1970.” She also highlighted Zimbabwe’s bold commitment to conservation, stating, “Zimbabwe stands ready to lead by example. We commit to designating five new Ramsar Sites by 2030 and restoring 250,000 hectares of degraded wetlands.”
Dr. Mumba echoed this urgency, stressing that “Wetlands are not a luxury. They are a necessity.” She added, “One figure should give us all pause, one in four wetland species is projected to be at risk of extinction by 2050 if current trends continue. These are not just numbers, they represent the collapse of systems we all rely on.”
Both leaders underscored that this COP is a pivotal moment for global collaboration, with Dr. Mumba noting it’s “where science, diplomacy, and community come together with a common goal: to protect wetlands for our common future.” The spirit of “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future” is truly alive as the world gathers at the majestic Victoria Falls.