Zimbabwe today joined the international community in commemorating the International Day for Biological Diversity, under the global theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”
The observance comes with a renewed national call to protect the country’s rich ecosystems and a major announcement: Zimbabwe will host the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands this July.
In a statement issued by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Director General Chigona A. urged citizens from all walks of life to re-examine their relationship with nature, warning that environmental degradation poses a growing threat to food security, water supplies, and economic livelihoods.
“Whether you are a child learning about nature in school, a farmer working the land, a miner, business owner, or an elder passing down wisdom—you have a role to play,” said Chigona. “Our biological diversity is a unique national treasure that feeds us, clothes us, heals us, and drives our economy.”
Zimbabwe is home to a wide range of ecosystems—from the Eastern Highlands to the southern lowvelds—housing forests, savannahs, rivers, and wetlands that support both people and wildlife.
However, Chigona noted, this biodiversity is under increasing pressure from agricultural expansion, urbanisation, pollution, and climate change.
The country is a signatory to major international treaties including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Nagoya Protocol, and the Ramsar Convention.
“These agreements are not just signatures on paper. They are our promise to future generations that we will protect and sustainably manage our natural resources,” she said.
As part of the commemoration, Zimbabweans were called to take practical actions such as planting trees, adopting sustainable farming, investing in green business practices, and passing on indigenous knowledge.
In a major development, the EMA also confirmed that Zimbabwe will host COP15 to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands from July 23 to 31, 2025 in Victoria Falls.
This will be the first time Zimbabwe hosts the global wetlands conference, which brings together scientists, conservationists, business leaders, and policymakers from across the world.
“This is an opportunity for Zimbabwe to shine as a leader in wetland conservation,” said Chigona, encouraging citizens to follow updates and register their participation at www.wetlandscop15.gov.zw.
As the world reflects on the importance of biodiversity, Zimbabwe positions itself as both a custodian of natural heritage and an emerging leader in sustainable environmental stewardship