The Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) region has taken centre stage in global wetland conservation following the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, hosted in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. It was the first time the conference was held in the country and only the second time on African soil.
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BirdLife Zimbabwe, one of the official ambassadors of the KAZA destination, actively participated in the summit, highlighting the importance of wetlands in sustaining biodiversity, tourism, and community livelihoods.
“This was only the second time that this major wetland conference has taken place in Africa, and it took place in the heart of Kavango Zambezi,” said Julia Pierini, Chief Executive Officer of BirdLife Zimbabwe.
“Victoria Falls is at the heart of Kavango Zambezi, and since the tourism destination is built around rivers, water, wildlife and people, this was a hugely symbolic and powerful recognition of the region’s ecological importance.”
New wetland cities recognised
A key outcome of COP15 was the formal recognition of three towns within the KAZA area as Ramsar Wetland Cities: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Kasane-Kazungula, and Shakawe (both in Botswana). The designation acknowledges their commitment to safeguarding wetlands as part of urban planning and development.
Ronnie Chirimuta, Conservation Officer at BirdLife Zimbabwe, said the accreditation opened the door for international collaboration.
“The cities will now take part in global exchanges, comparing lessons, strategies, and tools with other Wetland Cities around the world. For our region, this means new momentum in better managing development in harmony with ecological values.”
Launch of the Regional Ramsar Initiative
Another milestone was the launch of the Southern African Ramsar Regional Initiative (SARRI), a platform to support countries with knowledge sharing, policy guidance, and advocacy for wetlands in sustainable development.
The importance of wetlands for migratory species was also spotlighted.
“The BirdLife Partnership highlighted the importance of flyways as an avenue to protect migratory birds that use the different habitats within the Kavango Zambezi for either stopover, breeding, or roosting sites,” said Chirimuta.
“The Kavango Zambezi region hosts a diverse range of migratory bird species, and as BirdLife partners, we have developed a flyways strategy that aligns with the new KAZA Bird Conservation strategy.”
Push for Zimbabwe Wetlands Bill
In Zimbabwe, where more than 80% of wetlands have been degraded, discussions at COP15 paved the way for a proposed National Wetlands Bill. The legislation would formalise protection and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
“In terms of Zimbabwe, a high percentage of wetland areas are under siege by human activity, which is under threat by a changing climate. Wetlands are the primary water source in the region, and we are drying them up,” said Chirimuta.
“Following COP15, there’s a need to come up with an ambitious plan that will focus on the restoration of these degraded areas. Some good work has already been undertaken, but we need to do more.”
Youth engagement and future priorities
BirdLife Zimbabwe also highlighted youth participation as a positive outcome. Students from universities including Chinhoyi University and Midlands State University attended, alongside youth delegates from across the region.
“In terms of youth representation, there were several youth present at the COP, citing collaborations and linkages to make sure that post-COP there are more youth-led initiatives,” said Chirimuta.
“There was increased youth interest in wetland issues in the run-up to COP15, and we need to prioritise ways of keeping them engaged and involved.”
As Zimbabwe assumes the Ramsar presidency for the next three years, BirdLife Zimbabwe has identified three priority actions:
- Amplifying the value of wetlands for water security, climate resilience, livelihoods, and tourism.
- Strengthening national legislation, including developing a Wetlands Bill.
- Recognising and supporting communities as stewards of wetland management.
“Whilst we need to look at designating more Ramsar sites in recognition of the importance of wetlands as natural infrastructure, we need to ensure the current sites are protected and their ecological character maintained,” said Pierini.
“Policies and legislation must reflect the fragile nature of these natural ecosystems and ecologically sensitive areas and the threats they face from infrastructure development, mining, and agriculture.”
A region of global importance
Spanning 520,000 square kilometres across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the KAZA region is home to three Ramsar wetlands of international importance – the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Bwabwata-Okavango in Namibia, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The wetlands underpin ecotourism economies, sustain communities, and serve as vital wildlife corridors.
Pierini said COP15 had given the region greater visibility on the global stage.
“This was a unique opportunity. We are part of a globally significant region. The world was watching, and now it’s time to turn recognition into protection, collaboration into restoration, and dialogue into action.”
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