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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

Zimbabwe Strengthens Global Tourism Ties Following High-Level UN Visit

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to growing its tourism sector after hosting Shaikha Al Nowais, the newly appointed Secretary-General of UN Tourism, in Harare.

Speaking after the meeting, President Mnangagwa described the visit as a great honour, highlighting its significance for both Zimbabwe and the global tourism community.

Ms. Al Nowais’ appointment marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history.

The discussions focused on strengthening Zimbabwe’s position as a leading global tourism destination. President Mnangagwa emphasized the country’s vast potential, from its natural attractions to its rich cultural heritage, noting that tourism remains a key pillar for economic growth.

“We discussed enhancing Zimbabwe’s standing as a premier global destination and harnessing sustainable tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation,” said the President.

Zimbabwe has in recent years intensified efforts to promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that growth in the sector benefits local communities while preserving the environment.

Collaboration with UN Tourism is expected to play a critical role in achieving these goals through international partnerships, investment opportunities, and global marketing initiatives.

President Mnangagwa also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working closely with international stakeholders to showcase Zimbabwe’s unique appeal.

“Zimbabwe remains committed to collaborating closely with UN Tourism to showcase the beauty and hospitality of our nation to the world,” he added.

The visit by Ms. Al Nowais is seen as a strategic step toward strengthening Zimbabwe’s visibility on the global tourism map, while also aligning the country with international best practices in sustainable tourism development.

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Zim, Botswana Push Economic Agenda

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko pose for a photo after the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission in Harare.

Zimbabwe and Botswana have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic and economic relations following the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), hosted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare.

President Mnangagwa said the high-level meeting with Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko marks a shift toward stronger economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

“The outcomes of this Session are both instructive and forward-looking. They demonstrate our shared resolve to transform our longstanding political relations into a more dynamic, results-driven economic partnership,” he said.

The Zimbabwean leader emphasized that agreements signed at the BNC must now deliver tangible results, particularly in trade, investment and infrastructure development.

“The agreements… must now serve as instruments for accelerated trade, enhanced investment flows, industrial collaboration and sustainable development,” he added.

Key priorities include the operationalisation of the Plumtree/Ramokgwebana One-Stop Border Post, removal of non-tariff barriers and expansion of cross-border infrastructure to improve trade efficiency.

Earlier, President Boko highlighted the deep historical ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana, describing the relationship as a foundation for shared prosperity.

“These ties continue to provide a firm foundation upon which we advance our common aspirations for prosperity, stability and sustainable development,” he said.

He noted that the Bi-National Commission remains a critical platform for cooperation in sectors such as trade, agriculture, energy, health and security.

The two leaders agreed that regional cooperation within SADC is essential in addressing global economic challenges, improving trade flows and boosting investment.

With increased focus on implementation, private sector participation and infrastructure development, the Zimbabwe-Botswana partnership is expected to play a key role in advancing regional integration and economic growth in Southern Africa.

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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.

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