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President Mnangagwa Tells COP15: Wetlands Vital to Achieving Global SDGs

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President Mnangagwa Tells COP15: Wetlands Vital to Achieving Global

The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) was officially opened today by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the resort city of Victoria Falls, with a call for immediate global action to reverse wetland loss and secure a sustainable future.

Addressing delegates from over 170 nations

Addressing delegates from over 170 nations, President Mnangagwa described wetlands as “a critical portion of our existence,” underscoring their role in biodiversity preservation, water purification, flood control and climate resilience.

President Mnangagwa Touring Chinese Stand

“Wetlands provide livelihoods for more than a billion people and are home to 40% of the Earth’s species.To neglect them would be to abandon a critical portion of our existence,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President stressed that wetlands were essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in combating poverty, hunger, water scarcity, and climate change.

However, he warned that wetlands remain among the most threatened ecosystems globally due to urbanisation, agricultural expansion, and climate change.

“We are facing a triple planetary crisis — climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution — and our wetlands are on the frontlines. It is no longer enough to talk; now is the time to act,” he said.

Deputy Ministers of Local Government and Public , AlMavunga , Kabirika and Deputy Minister Information Marupi at COP15 in Victoria Falls. Photocredit-Hurumende News Hub

President Mnangagwa revealed that Zimbabwe had designated seven Ramsar sites since ratifying the Convention in 2013, and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

He announced that COP15 is expected to endorse the Victoria Falls Declaration — a bold framework aimed at mobilising resources, strengthening political will, and fostering international cooperation for wetland conservation.

 

“The Declaration recognises the ecological, social and economic importance of wetlands. It serves as a guide and a call to action to conserve, restore and manage wetlands sustainably,” he noted.

 

 

The President urged contracting parties to move from policy formulation to implementation and invest in wetland protection.

He called for the integration of wetlands into climate adaptation strategies and the mobilisation of sustainable financing mechanisms.

“My Government commits to championing resource mobilisation, rehabilitation efforts, and building strong linkages with multilateral agencies and the private sector.

With unwavering political will, concrete commitments and shared determination, we must protect, revive, and wisely use our wetlands for the benefit of both present and future generations,” he said.

President Mnangagwa praised the outgoing COP President, the People’s Republic of China, for its guidance and thanked the Ramsar Secretariat for its continued support.

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa took time to tour various exhibition stands at the Elephant Hills Hotel, where he expressed admiration for the impressive displays mounted by participating countries, organisations, and entities.

He commended the exhibitors for showcasing innovative solutions, research, and community-driven initiatives that promote wetland conservation and sustainable environmental practices.

The President noted that such exhibitions play a vital role in knowledge-sharing and fostering global cooperation towards ecological stewardship.

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Presidential Affairs

Precision Meets Pride: President’s Cup Day 2 Delivers High Stakes Action

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Game faces on: NetOne golfers await their moment on the tee.
Game faces on: NetOne golfers await their moment on the tee.

Day 2 of the President’s Cup delivered exactly what golf fans had hoped for , high-quality competition, emotional swings, and a few talking points that extended beyond the fairways.

After a tense opening day, both teams returned with renewed intensity, fully aware that Day 2 often shapes the trajectory of the entire tournament.

The format brought out aggressive play, with captains opting for bold pairings in both foursomes and fourballs, a move that paid off in some matches but backfired in others.

On the course, the level of golf remained exceptional.

Several matches went down to the final holes, with clutch putting and precise approach shots proving decisive.

The greens, however, became a central issue. Players from both sides were seen struggling with pace and reading subtle breaks, sparking quiet complaints about consistency.

A few missed short putts in key moments highlighted just how tricky conditions had become.

Weather also played its part. Changing wind conditions throughout the day made club selection unpredictable, forcing players to constantly adjust strategies.

While some adapted brilliantly, others faltered under pressure, leading to costly mistakes that shifted momentum between the teams.

Beyond the play itself, officiating decisions and rules interpretations began to draw attention.

 

There were moments of uncertainty regarding drop procedures and relief situations, leading to brief delays and visible frustration among players.

 

Though none escalated into major disputes, they added an extra layer of tension to an already competitive environment.

Team dynamics were another key storyline.

 

Certain pairings showed clear chemistry, feeding off each other’s energy and lifting their performances when it mattered most.

 

In contrast, a few partnerships appeared out of sync, struggling to find rhythm and ultimately dropping valuable points.

As the day progressed, momentum swung back and forth, keeping spectators on edge.

Every hole seemed to carry increased significance, and the pressure was evident in both the body language and decision-making of the players.

By the end of Day 2, the scoreboard reflected just how closely contested the competition remains.

 

Neither side has managed to establish a decisive lead, setting up what promises to be a thrilling continuation.

However, alongside the excitement, questions linger. Course conditions, officiating clarity, and player fatigue are all emerging as factors that could influence the outcome moving forward.

With everything still to play for, Day 3 now looms large.

If the intensity and drama of the first two days are anything to go by, the President’s Cup is far from decided , and the best may still be yet to come.

ALSO READ: President’s Cup Golf Tournament: A Beacon of Unity and Progress in Zimbabwean Sport

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Presidential Affairs

IN PICTURES: President Mnangagwa Tours Mabvuku Interchange

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Mabvuku Interchange
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Felix Mhona, toured the Mabvuku interchange along Mutare Road to assess ongoing works on the critical infrastructure project. During the site visit, the President inspected earthmoving progress, structural reinforcements, and drainage installations, receiving technical briefings from engineers on the project's timeline and safety standards. The tour underscores the Second Republic's commitment to modernising urban road networks, decongesting major arteries, and improving travel efficiency for commuters and motorists plying the busy Mutare Road corridor. (Pictures: By InfoZW)

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday toured the ongoing construction works at the Mabvuku Interchange along Mutare Road, assessing progress on one of the capital’s most anticipated traffic decongestion projects.

The President, accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Felix Mhona, inspected the scale of the earthworks, drainage systems, and the rising structural pillars that will define the new flyover.

President Mnangagwa (centre) points towards the eastern span of the interchange as Minister Felix Mhona (right) explains the project’s phasing.

 

The President walks along the compacted gravel shoulder of the interchange, wearing a hard hat and safety vest. He pauses to inspect the reinforced steel bars (rebar) of a support column, with Minister Mhona looking on.

 

A wide shot of the Mabvuku interchange site, showing the scale of excavation and the new road alignment taking shape against the backdrop of the high-density suburb.

His Excellency engages directly with site engineers and construction workers, receiving a technical briefing on the project’s timeline and the durability of materials being used.

The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport, is part of ongoing efforts to modernise Harare’s road network and reduce bottlenecks at major intersections.

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Presidential Affairs

“You Made Us Proud”: President Mnangagwa Hails Chevrons

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa greets the Men’s National Cricket Team, the Chevrons, during a presentation ceremony at State House. The President honoured the team for their historic run to the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup, including a landmark victory over Australia, describing them as true ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s resilience and national pride. (Image: InfoZw)

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday honoured the men’s national cricket team, the Chevrons, at State House, praising their historic run to the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup and describing their victory over Australia as a moment that “captured the imagination of the cricketing world.”

Addressing players, officials, and dignitaries at a formal presentation ceremony, President  Mnangagwa said the team’s performance had demonstrated that Zimbabwe is “worthy of participating at the global stage across various sporting disciplines.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa

“The historic victory over Australia stands out as a defining moment in the Chevrons’ campaign,” the President said.

“It was a victory that captured the imagination of the cricketing world and re-ignited national pride here at home. The result sent a strong message that Zimbabwe is capable of overcoming the most formidable teams.”

The Chevrons’ progression to the Super 8 stage marked one of the team’s best performances in recent global tournaments.

President Mnangagwa described the players as “true ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s national character of resilience and an inherent warrior spirit,” adding that they had helped positively profile “brand Zimbabwe” internationally.

The President also commended Zimbabwe Cricket for its development efforts, including new facilities in Victoria Falls, Necma Valley Country Club, and Masvingo Sports Club.

He congratulated the board for successfully hosting the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, calling it “a clear testament of our country’s organisational capacity and professionalism.”

President Mnangagwa announced that his government stands ready to provide guarantees and support for Zimbabwe to co-host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next year alongside South Africa and Namibia.

“This presents a historic opportunity to once again showcase on the global stage the unique hospitality of our people and passion for cricket,” he said.

The President urged the Chevrons to “go further, aim higher, write new chapters in Zimbabwean sport,” while thanking supporters in the stands and from the diaspora who “carried the spirit of Zimbabwe and created a home away from home atmosphere.”

 

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