As the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands kicked off in Zimbabwe, the message was clear: urgent collective action is needed to restore and protect the world’s wetlands before it’s too late.
For generations, local communities have depended on wetlands for their wealth of resources, clean water, food, rich biodiversity, and critical habitats. Science also shows that wetlands absorb more carbon than forests, making them vital in combating climate change.
Held under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” the conference emphasizes the essential role wetlands play in ecological health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
The theme aligns closely with global efforts on climate action and sustainable development, highlighting wetlands as nature’s infrastructure for resilience and livelihoods.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Victoria Falls, the meeting also aims to showcase the immense value of wetlands while promoting new partnerships for their conservation and restoration.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe urged ministers and delegates to treat wetland protection as a moral responsibility.
“It is our sacred duty to protect that which has been entrusted to us by Almighty God,” he said.
Scientific evidence warns that the continued degradation of wetlands and freshwater ecosystems poses serious threats to food production, biodiversity, water security, and the adaptive capacity of communities. Experts and stakeholders at COP15 further echoed the need for urgent restoration of wetlands to achieve resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.
Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention, emphasized that COP15 is a pivotal moment to convert political commitments into concrete actions.
“Let us make this a moment where political will meets practical action, where commitments turn into implementation, and where wetlands are finally recognized as the backbone of sustainability,” she urged.
Wetlands have long served as silent guardians of life on Earth. Often romanticized in images of bird-filled marshes and lush swamps, they are far more than scenic landscapes; they regulate water cycles, support biodiversity, and sustain life.
This message was reinforced by Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), who said that wetlands are vital to human health, food security, and climate resilience.
“Let’s protect them through science, partnerships, and action. Together, we can reverse the tide,” she said.
Despite covering less than 1% of the planet, wetlands support over 10% of known species and provide crucial resources to more than a billion people. They regulate water and climate systems, anchor food security, and hold solutions for both nature and humanity.
Dr. Eliane Ubalijoro, CEO of CIFOR-ICRAF, added that sharing scientific knowledge and involving local communities in decision-making is key to harnessing the full potential of wetlands.
“Wetlands are a source of life and solutions, but only when science is open and communities are empowered.”
Considering the focus, continued dedication, and determination witnessed from member states and stakeholders, COP15 is a wake-up call and an opportunity to act decisively before the window closes.
