By Jones Gadama
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi is set to lead Malawi’s delegation to the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, taking place in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from July 23 to July 31, 2025.
Dr. Usi will be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.
The global summit brings together 172 contracting parties to highlight the critical role wetlands play in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, water security, and livelihoods.
The conference aims to finalize the 2025-2034 strategic plan, aligning it with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Delegates will also advance commitments under the Freshwater Challenge.
As Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Wildlife, Dr. Usi has been instrumental in guiding the ministry’s efforts to conserve and manage Malawi’s natural resources.
His vision for the Ministry of Natural Resources & Climate Change includes building a team of competent professionals focused on aligning operations with Malawi Vision 2063.
Key initiatives include investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, halting land degradation and forest loss to improve carbon capture and agricultural productivity, and expanding safety nets and economic diversification to reduce vulnerable households.
The conference will focus on several key objectives, including finalizing the 2025-2034 strategic plan for the Ramsar Convention, highlighting the critical role wetlands play in biodiversity conservation, discussing ways to enhance climate resilience through wetland conservation, addressing water security issues through sustainable wetland management, and promoting livelihoods that depend on wetlands.
Dr. Usi’s participation in COP15 demonstrates Malawi’s commitment to protecting wetlands and promoting sustainable development.
Malawi’s experience in wetland conservation and management will contribute to the global discussion on protecting these vital ecosystems.
The conference provides a platform for Malawi to share its successes and challenges in wetland conservation, learn from other countries, and strengthen partnerships to support conservation efforts.
With the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” COP15 is a crucial event for Malawi and the global community to come together and address the pressing issues facing wetlands.
