By Regina Pasipanodya Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. As Zimbabwe hosts delegates at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15) from July 23 to 31, BirdLife International CEO, Martin Harper has made a strong plea. “Wetlands are for life; protecting them is not just an ecological duty, but a human imperative.” In an exclusive interview with Zimba Wave News, Harper emphasized the urgent need for African nations to take global conservation frameworks seriously, especially the Ramsar Convention, by creating enforceable national policies. The most important thing Zimbabwe can do after COP is ensure designated Ramsar sites are protected under domestic law,” he said. A Global Mission Rooted in Biodiversity Harper leads BirdLife International, a partnership of 123 NGOs in 119 countries. He is passionate about biodiversity, which he sees reflected in birds as “beautiful barometers of the natural world.” Wetlands cover just 6% of Earth’s surface, yet they support 40% of global biodiversity. These ecosystems provide vital habitats for migratory birds that travel long distances for food and shelter.“ If wetlands collapse, the species that depend on them will too; often, so will the communities,” Harper explained: A Vanishing Ecosystem—and Its Cost The 2025 Global Wetland Outlook Report reveals alarming trends: 22% of wetlands have disappeared since 1970, and Africa has lost nearly half in the past five decades. This loss translates into a $5.1 trillion deficit in ecosystem services, including clean water, food security, and disaster resilience. Harper sees wetland conservation as a key development priority. “One billion people rely directly on wetlands for their livelihoods. This is about survival, not symbolism.” Conservation in Action BirdLife’s conservation plan includes creating networks of protected wetlands along migratory flyways. In East Asia, the $3-billion Regional Flyway Initiative aims to protect 50 wetland sites across 21 countries. Harper suggested using similar models in Africa, along with innovative financing tools like carbon markets and resilience bonds. He also commended BirdLife Zimbabwe’s efforts, particularly its collaboration with government agencies to align wetland policy with biodiversity and climate goals. “Zimbabwe’s approach shows promise. We’ve seen real progress here,” said a spokesperson from BirdLife Zimbabwe. COP15: A Turning Point for Africa’s Wetlands Harper’s calls to action at COP15 are resolute:- Protect Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and integrate them into national strategies – Secure funding via climate finance and multilateral support – Strengthen partnerships with communities, private sector, and policy-makers – Recognize wetlands as crucial allies in climate adaptation and disaster mitigation “Birds don’t lie. Their decline is a signal—and their recovery is our compass,” Harper concluded. With COP15 underway in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s leadership in wetland stewardship may well set the tone for a continent-wide ecological revival. Post navigation Cultivating Wealth in Hwange: How Village Business Units Are Changing Rural Livelihood Rewilding the Future: IFAW Champions Wild Animal Inclusion at Ramsar COP15 in Victoria Falls