By Yamikani Yapuwa from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Malawi’s Vice President Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi has arrived in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to attend the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Dr. Usi touched down Wednesday morning at Victoria Falls International Airport, where he was welcomed by Malawi’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe General (Rtd) Peter Andrew Lapken Namathanga along with several senior government officials from Malawi.
The Vice President is scheduled to represent President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera at the high-level conference which runs from July 23 to 31, bringing together leaders and experts from across the globe to discuss the sustainable management and conservation of wetlands.
Apart from participating in the official conference proceedings, Dr. Usi is also expected to attend one of the key side events organized alongside the summit.
The main agenda of COP15 focuses on the conservation and wise use of wetlands, their role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustaining biodiversity, and supporting livelihoods. Discussions will also explore how the Ramsar Convention can align its Strategic Plan with the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the significance of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) for wetland protection.Meanwhile, a number of side events have been lined up to tackle emerging and persistent challenges in wetland conservation. Among them is a youth-led dialogue under the theme “From Resolution to Action: Youth Leadership and the Future of the Convention on Wetlands,” where young people from different regions will showcase successful wetland initiatives and engage in intergenerational policy discussions.
Another key session, “Investing in Women’s Leadership to Accelerate Wetland Conservation,” will highlight the role of women in wetland protection, launch the BRIDGE Women Grants, and chart pathways for inclusive decision-making in wetland governance.
In addition, Indigenous voices will take center stage at the “Listening to the Land” session, offering traditional solutions for wetland resilience and urging greater recognition of Indigenous knowledge and rights in environmental policy.
