Victoria Falls gears up for Ramsar COP15 with stakeholder awareness meetings

THE City of Victoria Falls is today hosting a series of awareness meetings with stakeholders in preparation for the upcoming Ramsar COP15, scheduled to take place from 23 to 31 July 2025.

The resort city recently received Wetland City Accreditation from the Conference of Contracting Parties (COP), further cementing its status as a key player in global wetland conservation efforts.

The Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1971, promotes the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. With over 170 contracting parties, the convention underscores the critical role of wetlands in supporting biodiversity, human livelihoods, and ecosystem sustainability.

In a public notice, Victoria Falls Town Clerk, Mr Ronnie Dube, announced a series of stakeholder engagement meetings.

The awareness meetings will ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and engaged in preserving the city’s natural heritage ahead of this prestigious event.

“The City of Victoria Falls is pleased to announce that the City recently received Wetland City Accreditation from the Conference of Contracting Parties (COP). This comes as the City will host the Ramsar COP15 from 23 to 31 July 2025.

“In that regard, the City has lined up awareness meetings with its stakeholders and therefore invites everyone, including residents, the business community, cooperating partners, groups, associations, and others, to all-stakeholders meetings to raise awareness about Wetland City Accreditation and the upcoming COP15.”

The proposed agenda include overview of RAMSAR Convention, Wetland City Accreditation, importance of wetland conservation, Collaborative initiatives and stakeholder roles and benefits to the public.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance, Victoria Falls is an ideal location for COP15. Its selection highlights Zimbabwe’s commitment to balancing environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.

Victoria Falls

The conference is expected to attract environmentalists, policymakers, scientists, and international delegates, all coming together to discuss wetland conservation strategies in the face of climate change and human impact.

Zimbabwe’s selection as the host country for COP15 signifies its growing role as a leader in wetland conservation.

The country is home to seven Ramsar-designated wetlands, including Victoria Falls, Driefontein Grasslands, and Lake Chivero, which are internationally recognised for their ecological significance.

These wetlands play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, water purification, and climate change mitigation.-chronicle