In a world grappling with the escalating climate crisis, the need for international collaboration has never been more urgent. From July 23rd to 31st, 2025, Victoria Falls played host to a pivotal event in this global effort: the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands. Under the powerful theme, "Protecting wetlands for our common future," the conference brought together 172 governments from across the globe, including Zimbabwe, China, Brazil, and Russia, to tackle the critical issue of wetland conservation.

The RAMSAR Convention, an international treaty dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, is a testament to the fact that environmental challenges transcend borders. It recognizes that wetlands, often called the "kidneys of the landscape," are vital ecosystems that provide essential services, from purifying water to providing habitats for diverse species and protecting our communities from floods.

Among the delegates at the Elephant Hills Hotel was a voice for the next generation: Mr. Tapiwa Manyame, Chairman of the Yeuka Youth Organisation (YYO). His presence underscored the growing recognition of young people as key stakeholders in environmental stewardship. The conference's primary aim was to forge collaborative efforts between governments, organizations, and communities to protect and restore these invaluable water resources and habitats. Through initiatives like water conservation partnerships, habitat restoration projects, and environmental stewardship programs, the goal is to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.

A key highlight of the conference was a site visit to the Kasibo Wetland Project in the Hwange District. This community-driven initiative, which includes an orchard, a garden, and an aquarium, serves as a powerful model of how wetlands can support local livelihoods. The project demonstrated firsthand how conservation can go hand-in-hand with community development, providing a tangible example of the theme "Protecting