Staff Reporter
The Government is set to Host the fifteenth Conference of Parties (COP15) meeting in 2025, the Harare Post has learnt.
Speaking in a Post Cabinet Briefing Minister Monica informed that the Government has agreed to host COP15 on Wetlands in line with the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of 1971. The meeting is going to be held in Victoria Falls as proposed by the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Mangaliso Nqobizitha Ndlovu.
"The nation is being informed that the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry intend to host the 15th Conference of Parties in 2025 in the prime tourist destination of Victoria Falls," said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She emphasised on the significance of Zimbabwe hosting the COP15, which she agreed would serves a purple patch for the second republic's engagement and re-engagement policy as the international community will indeed notice that Zimbabwe is peaceful and a must visit tourist destination.
"The hosting of COP15 will spur the Second Republic’s international community re-engagement and engagement agenda and prove that the country is a peaceful, stable, growing and attractive international travel destination," said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Minister Mutsvangwa reiterated that apart from putting Zimbabwe on the international map in terms of tourism, COP15 will act as a stepping stone as far as issues to do with environmental governance, stewardship and diplomacy are concerned.
"The resort City of Victoria Falls is evidence that the country is committed to sustainable utilization and conservation of natural resources. Furthermore, the event will provide local tourism players with a platform to market the country as a tourist destination and attract foreign investment. The country will also take advantage of COP 15 to extend its influence and leadership on the global stage in environmental governance, stewardship and diplomacy," said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Wetlands are vital ecosystems as they are home to 40% of the world's species; they protect areas from flooding, provide food and clean water, and play a crucial role in combating climate change. Hence they should be protected from the threat of extinction and exploitation.
