Victoria Falls named as Ramsar World Wetland City

Victoria Falls has been named among 31 cities across the world as a 'Ramsar wetland city.' The listing, made under the Ramsar International Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, highlights the vital role that wetlands play in supporting vital ecosystem functions for people and wildlife.

The Wetland City Accreditation scheme encourages cities in close proximity to and dependent on wetlands - especially those designated Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance - to promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for local people.

Zimbabwe ratified the Ramsar Convention in 2012 and has since designated seven sites as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites), including Victoria Falls, Driefontein Grasslands, Middle Zambezi/Mana Pools, Lake Chivero, Monavale Vlei, Chinhoyi Caves and Cleveland Dam. The announcement was made in advance of World Wetlands Day 2025, 2 February, under the theme: 'Protecting Wetlands For Our Common Future.'

"Wetlands are critical for our country's well-being, providing essential services such as flood control, climate regulation, and supporting local livelihoods," said Angella Kabira, the Principal Natural Resources Officer in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.

A recent survey conducted by the Environmental Management Authority found that over half of Zimbabwe's wetlands are considerably degraded and 26 percent are seriously deteriorated, while only 17 percent are in perfect condition.

Victoria Falls will host the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (Cop15) to the Ramsar Convention on wetlands in Victoria Falls from 23-31 July 2025. The event will focus global attention on Zimbabwe's management of the Victoria Falls and recent unsuitable tourism developments within the Victoria Falls National Park, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"As we host this global event, we are committed to showcasing our progress and collaborating with international partners to further strengthen wetland management," added Phanuel Mangisi the Ramsar Convention-National focal person and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Manager at the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).