Victoria Falls: Wetland city status isn’t just a title — It’s a promise to the planet

Jonathan Sibanda

VICTORIA FALLS— The buzz of COP15 continues, but for Victoria Falls, it’s more than just a diplomatic milestone, it’s a mandate for action. On Thursday, the city officially received its Wetland City Accreditation certificate from Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention, placing Victoria Falls among only 13 cities globally to earn this recognition.

The Wetland City Accreditation recognises cities that have demonstrated outstanding effort to protect and sustainably manage urban wetlands, while actively involving local communities. For Victoria Falls, this means safeguarding critical wetlands like the Victoria Falls Wetland Site, balancing development with ecological responsibility, and ensuring youth, women, businesses, and residents are all part of the conservation journey.

According to Leonard Ncube, the Public Relations Officer for the Victoria Falls City Council, this milestone has been years in the making. Since the city was granted the status in January 2025, Council has held extensive community engagements, from market vendors at Busy Island to learners at Mosi-oa-Tunya High and Chamabondo Primary. A schools competition themed “Wetlands” included debates, poetry, and art — all aimed at building awareness in both English and local languages.

Education efforts didn’t stop at classrooms. The Council rolled out wetland conservation messaging via Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and public campaigns using branded materials like T-shirts and pens. Every official communication — even council notices — now carries the Wetland City identity.

The city’s strategy aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 13 on Climate Action, and SDG 17 on Partnerships. The new status opens doors for collaboration, tourism opportunities, and funding. Already, delegations from Cape Town, Nagoya, and Kasane have shown interest in partnerships that can bring tangible benefits to Victoria Falls residents.

Being named a Wetland City is not just about recognition — it’s about responsibility. Victoria Falls is proving that protecting nature can go hand-in-hand with urban development, tourism, and community empowerment. The real work begins now.