Zimbabwe Hosts COP15 Ramsar Conference, Spotlighting Urgent Wetland Conservation in Africa

As Zimbabwe welcomes the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in the iconic Victoria Falls, global focus has shifted to Africa’s invaluable wetlands and the pressing need for enhanced conservation efforts. Bringing together representatives from 172 countries, the conference builds on the momentum generated by the Wuhan Declaration adopted at COP14 in China in 2022, aiming to advance international cooperation for wetland protection.

In a joint interview with China Africa Talk, two key environmental figures—Professor Lei Guangchun, Vice Chair of China’s National Wetland Science Committee, and Anthony Phiri, Director of Environmental Management at the Harare Institute of Technology—outlined the stakes for Africa, the influence of China’s wetland policies, and the potential for stronger China-Africa partnerships in environmental sustainability.

“This is a very exciting and timely opportunity,” said Phiri. “Harare itself is built on a wetland, and our main water source, Lake Chivero, faces severe threats from unregulated construction and pollution. We are nearing a critical tipping point.”

Phiri underscored wetlands’ essential roles in water purification, biodiversity conservation, and regulating rainfall patterns—factors vital to climate resilience across the region. Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has intensified efforts in environmental education, strict zoning regulations, and comprehensive impact assessments to protect these vulnerable ecosystems.

Professor Lei pointed to China’s national ecological strategy as a model worth emulating. “China has embedded wetland conservation into its broader development plans, backed by robust legal frameworks. Public awareness is high, and officials are held accountable for the health of wetlands under their control.”

He emphasized the financial wisdom of prevention over repair: “Restoring wetlands can cost up to 1,000 times more than conserving them. This is a vital lesson for Africa, where many wetlands remain intact but vulnerable.”

Zimbabwe, boasting seven Ramsar-listed sites including the majestic Victoria Falls, has positioned itself as a leader in wetland stewardship on the continent. Africa accounts for 43% of the world’s wetlands, with more than 430 Ramsar sites covering over five million hectares, making the region a global hotspot for wetland biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Looking forward, both experts called for increased capacity building, progressive policy reforms, and expanded technology transfer between China and Africa. “China has already provided valuable training and environmental technologies tailored to our needs,” said Phiri. “Deepening this cooperation is critical for our shared success.”

As COP15 progresses, the resounding message is clear: protecting wetlands is no longer optional but essential. For Africa and China alike, safeguarding these vital ecosystems is fundamental to securing a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.