Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe is set to host the Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-29), in Harare,from 26-28 August 2024.
SARCOF brings together meteorologists, climate scientists, and disaster management experts to share knowledge, discuss emerging trends and develop a consensus forecast for the upcoming season.
The hosting of the SARCOF meeting will be a crucial step towards turning Zimbabwe into a ‘Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions’ (MICE) tourism destinations as envisioned by the Second Republic.
“This meeting will enable regional countries to come up with local ideas to counter the effects of climate change,” said SADC Secretariat Senior Programme Officer, Ms Surekhs Ramessur, We must start to focus on local strategies than global strategies as counter measures against El Nino.”
“We are also doing this so that we will be able to efficiently plan for the next farming season as African countries. This will also allow the continent to come up with sufficient budget allocation aimed at mitigating various challenges especially drought and unexpected disasters,” added Ramessur.
The SARCOF-29 holds immense importance in light of the effects of climate change in the SADC region, which has led to water scarcity and fast desertification.
The forum may also focus on developing early warning systems, enhancing regional co-operation for disaster risk reduction, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the effects of climate change in the region.
“The hosting of SARCOF-29 will offer an opportunity to the country to showcase to the region the National Early Warning System Infrastructure which the Second Republic has invested in,” said the Minister ofInformation, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenafan Muswere.
The hosting of SARCOF-29’s significance cannot be overstated, especially in the context of the effects of climate change in the SADC region. It is an important event, Zimbabwe not only demonstrates its political and economic stability but also plays a pivotal role in addressing the pressing issues of climate change and its impact on the region.
“These are preparations for the 2024-2025 rainfall season where we are urging regional countries to adopt the use of indigenous Knowledge Systems against global strategic in countering the effects of climate change,” said World Meteorological Organisation’s Director for Public Relations, Ms Rebecca Manzou.
Zimbabwe is also set to host COP 15 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Victoria Falls in July 2025. It won the bid based on the tremendous work the country has done on wetlands conservation.
“It is my pleasure to inform you that Zimbabwe will be hosting the COP15 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands at Elephant Hills, Victoria Falls from 23-31 July 2025. Cabinet in turn endorsed the hosting of COP 15,” said Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovhu.
Minister Ndlovhu appealed to media to complement Government efforts and spread information on the importance of wetland conservation as Zimbabwe prepares to host COP 15 in 2025.
When the country successfully hosts international conferences like SARCOF-29 and COP 15, it can showcase its capabilities in organizing and hosting large-scale events, thereby attracting more MICE tourism. This will not only boost the country’s economy but also promotes it as a favorable destination for international conferences and events. According to Tourism.Ni.com, MICE can also be referred to as Business Tourism or Business Events. In Nothern Ireland alone it is estimated that conferences generate approximately 50 million Pounds per annum for the local economy with incentives and corporate travel also generating significant income.
