Wetland Protection Boosted by New Resolutions and International Agreements at COP15

The 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) concluded in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, marking a renewed global pledge toward the protection of wetlands.

Held under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” the conference brought together delegates from various governments to underscore the essential role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity, ecological stability, and resilience to climate change.

During the event, participants adopted a series of resolutions aimed at accelerating conservation efforts at national and regional levels. These measures include improving monitoring systems, enhancing capacity development, securing financial resources, and integrating wetlands into broader strategies for climate adaptation and disaster risk management.

The conference also focused on strengthening conservation efforts along migratory routes to safeguard bird species. It endorsed the creation of the Global Waterbird Estimates Partnership and emphasized the importance of protecting species like river dolphins, which serve as key indicators of the health of inland wetlands.

One of the major achievements of COP15 was the adoption of the Victoria Falls Declaration. This declaration highlighted the urgent need for greater political will, funding, and action to restore and safeguard wetland ecosystems.

In her closing speech, COP15 President and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Evelyn Ndlovu, encouraged member states to incorporate the outcomes of the conference into their national frameworks.

She stressed the importance of international partnerships and financial mechanisms to bridge the gap in wetland conservation efforts. Ndlovu also advocated for closer collaboration with other environmental treaties and organizations to better tackle complex issues like climate change and pollution from plastics and mercury.

“Working together will amplify our impact on global environmental protection, improve ecosystem and human health, and foster innovation and knowledge-sharing across nations,” she concluded.

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