Minister Ndlovu steps into global spotlight

SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO

With just under 100 days to go before the world converges in Victoria Falls for the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Zimbabwe is entering a defining phase in its environmental diplomacy—now under the stewardship of newly appointed Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Evelyn Ndlovu.

Sworn in just days ago, Ndlovu has pledged to bring fresh energy to the ministry and ensure climate issues take centre stage on the national and global agenda.

“I have to look at the policies that are there so I can then come up with new ideas,” Ndlovu said. “I also want to examine the international agreements that we have, because we have three critical areas that we should look at. We have sustainable development, which can only come if we address the climate challenges that we are facing. So we will be looking at the climate change issues seriously.”

Her commitment comes as Zimbabwe prepares to make history as the first country in southern Africa to host COP15, scheduled for July 23–31, 2025, in the ecologically iconic city of Victoria Falls.

This year’s summit—to be held under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”—is expected to draw over 170 countries in a global call to conserve and sustainably manage wetlands, which are vanishing at an alarming pace due to urban expansion, pollution, unsustainable agriculture, and climate change.

The Convention on Wetlands, also known as the Ramsar Convention, was adopted in 1971 and remains one of the oldest multilateral environmental agreements. Wetlands such as lakes, rivers, marshes, peatlands, and mangroves play a critical role in water purification, flood control, biodiversity conservation, and climate regulation.

With anticipation building, preparations in Victoria Falls are ramping up. Hotels and lodges in the resort town are already seeing a surge in bookings as thousands of delegates—heads of state, environmental experts, policymakers, researchers, and indigenous leaders—gear up to attend.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife is leading the preparations, working alongside the Ramsar Secretariat and a range of local and international partners.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Barbra Rwodzi, during a visit to Masvingo, emphasized the economic and diplomatic significance of the event.

“From Masvingo we are to get into Victoria Falls where we are going to make some thorough preparations for the forthcoming COP15. We are thrilled to host this conference. It’s a landmark event that places Zimbabwe firmly on the global stage,” she said.
“This conference is expected to inject a substantial economic boost into our tourism and hospitality sector, with thousands of delegates, support staff, and international media arriving in the country. Beyond the immediate benefits of increased hotel bookings, restaurant visits, and tour activities, COP15 is set to provide us a unique opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality to a global audience.”

Beyond the plenary sessions, COP15 will feature exhibitions, side events, and community engagements designed to raise awareness about wetland conservation and share global best practices. Zimbabwe will also use the opportunity to spotlight its own progress in wetland rehabilitation, particularly in Gutu, Domboshava, and Mutasa.

The country has also gazetted seven Ramsar sites of international importance: Monavale Vlei, Lake Chivero, Mana Pools, Driefontein Grasslands, Cleveland Dam, Chinhoyi Caves, and the newly accredited wetland city of Victoria Falls.

According to the Global Wetland Outlook, the world has lost approximately 35% of its wetlands since 1970, a rate three times faster than forest decline. Environmental advocates hope COP15 will yield actionable frameworks and commitments to reverse this trajectory.

Environmental Management Agency spokesperson Amkela Sidange highlighted measures being taken to reduce the event’s ecological footprint.

“These measures include comprehensive waste management strategies premised on robust waste management plans that emphasise reducing, reusing, and recycling materials used during the conference,” Sidange stated.

“This includes setting up designated waste collection points throughout the venue and ensuring that all waste is sorted into recyclables, compostables, and general waste for recovery and circulation back into the economy. The conference is also promoting sustainable transportation options for delegates through pooled shuttle services to limit vehicular movement and reduce carbon emissions.”

As the countdown continues, COP15 is shaping up to be more than just a global environmental summit—it is a moment for Zimbabwe to reassert itself as a leader in climate governance, under the new leadership of Minister Ndlovu and a government eager to align environmental sustainability with national development.