Zimbabwe has committied to spearheading resource mobilisation and fostering robust partnerships for sustainable wetland management and rehabilitation.
Officially opening the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said his government’s commitment extends to building strong linkages with a diverse range of partners.
“My government commits to champion resource mobilisation for sustainable wetland management, rehabilitation and collaboration. This includes building strong linkages among partners such as other multilateral environmental agencies, countries, institutions, the private sector, and stakeholders,” he said.
Wetlands, vital for biodiversity, climate resilience, and human livelihoods, face significant threats, often exacerbated by a lack of adequate funding and coordinated efforts.
The pledge signals a proactive approach to addressing the financial and collaborative challenges in global conservation efforts.
President Mnangagwa also highlighted that national Climate Change Adaptation Plans and Natural Boundaries and Action Plans should serve as avenues for accessing various climate funding opportunities, crucial for addressing wetland conservation challenges.
He stressed that the sheer scale of wetland loss demands immediate and cooperative action from all stakeholders to secure their preservation for a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.
“Time has come to secure the guaranteed preservation of wetlands as a foundation for a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future,” he said.
“While the formulation of policies and adoption of resolutions are essential, their effective implementation is even more critical, along with our readiness to invest in wetland protection. Therefore, let this COP15 be recognised for taking concrete steps from discussion to implementation.”
While policies and resolutions are essential, President Mnangagwa underscored that “their effective implementation is even more critical, along with our readiness to invest in wetland protection.”
He urged Contracting Parties to act boldly and decisively to safeguard wetlands and address drivers of their loss with unwavering political will and concrete commitments.
The President underscored the immense value of wetlands, highlighting their role as crucial habitats for approximately 40% of Earth’s species and as a source of livelihood for over a billion people.
He emphasised the critical services they provide, including water purification, flood control, and carbon storage, noting that these benefits align with efforts to achieve various Sustainable Development Goals, from poverty eradication to climate action.
Despite their importance, wetlands face severe threats from urbanisation, agricultural expansion, and climate change, leading to widespread loss and degradation.
Mnangagwa officially opened the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands, which is running from July 23 to July 31.
Discover more from CLIMATE BRIEF
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
