THE curtain has come down on the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) with strong resolutions aimed at putting young people and indigenous knowledge systems at the centre of wetland management.
After nine days of intensive deliberations, COP15 ended in Victoria Falls this Thursday with a resounding message: ‘the future of wetland conservation lies in embracing both traditional wisdom and the voices of the next generation.’
In a landmark resolution, delegates agreed to integrate youths and indigenous knowledge systems into wetland restoration and management strategies, signalling a move towards more inclusive and culturally responsive conservation efforts.
“One of the most exciting resolutions, bearing in mind that we are protecting wetlands for our common future, was to include youth in wetland restoration, sustainable use, and management. This is a critical area we will champion during our COP15 presidency. There was also a resolution recognising the value of indigenous and local knowledge systems combined, of course, with scientific approaches, to enhance wetland management. COP15 had something for everyone,”
said Ramsar Convention Alternate president and permanent secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate and Water, Zimbabwe , Mr. Tedious Chifamba.
Ramsar President Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, who is also Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, outlined the next steps to ensure resolutions made at the conference are fully implemented both locally and globally.
“The committee is currently working on the way forward—how we’re going to collaborate and implement these resolutions. I expect member states to review their policies and legislation in line with the outcomes of this conference. The same applies here at home, we need to amend what’s necessary and ensure these resolutions are auctioned. Implementation is key if we are to succeed in saving our wetlands,” she said.
Held in the majestic wetland city of Victoria Falls, COP15 brought together representatives from 172 member states, along with scientists, environmentalists, and local community members to confront the escalating threats to wetlands posed by climate change and unsustainable development
