VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe - The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) opened on Thursday in Zimbabwe's resort city of Victoria Falls, with a call for international cooperation in the global wetland preservation.

Running under the theme of "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future," the COP15 brought together its contracting parties to strengthen international commitments for wetland conservation and to highlight the vital role of wetlands in sustaining ecological health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

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Addressing the opening ceremony, Musonda Mumba, secretary general of the Convention on Wetlands, said global efforts are crucial in safeguarding wetlands, as they play a vital role in the health of the ecosystem.

She noted that through global efforts, the convention offers a platform for collaboration and for science-based action. "Across the world and even here in Africa, the change has been seen. Countries are working very hard."

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Mumba urged policymakers and responsible stakeholders to make decisions and adopt policies that prioritize wetland protection.

"Let us make this moment where political leadership meets practical action, when commitments become implementation, and where wetlands are finally recognized as the backbone of sustainability," she added.

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Yan Zhen, deputy head of China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, noted that in recent years, China has continuously improved its legal and institutional framework for wetland conservation, comprehensively protected wetland ecosystems, and actively engaged in international cooperation, continuously contributing to global wetland protection efforts.

The Chinese delegation said they will engage in open dialogue to share experiences and build consensus with all contracting parties to help produce meaningful and impactful outcomes from the conference.