“Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – The official launch of the Southern Africa Ramsar Regional Initiative (SARRI) at Ramsar COP15 on 24 July 2025 marks a critical step towards strengthening wetland conservation efforts across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This landmark event will highlight the vital role of wetlands in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods, reinforcing regional and global commitments to their protection.
Recognized under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, SARRI is designed to advance transboundary conservation strategies and mobilize resources for wetland restoration and management. The initiative will serve as a platform for collaboration among governments, conservation organisations and development partners to ensure effective policies and actions safeguard wetlands for future generations.
The launch will bring together ministers from SADC Member States, senior representatives from the Ramsar Secretariat, SADC Secretariat, IUCN, and esteemed development partners such as the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), NatureXapirs, MedWet and others. As a high-level event at Ramsar COP15, it underscores the urgency of coordinated efforts to protect and restore these critical ecosystems.
Seychelles is currently being represented by Mr. Jean Claude Labrosse, National Focal Point for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Seychelles, Mr. Nigel Simeon the Senior Climate Adaptation officer from Climate Change Division and Ms. Corrine Julie, the Technical & Advocacy Manager from Nature Seychelles.
Event Highlights
The official launch of SARRI at Ramsar COP15 will feature:
- Opening remarks and Keynote Speeches from representatives of the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Ramsar Secretariat, SADC Secretariat and IUCN, highlighting regional leadership and commitments to wetlands conservation.
- A Panel Discussion reflecting on SARRI’s journey since Ramsar COP14 in 2022 and its future direction in advancing transboundary wetlands management.
- Engagement with development partners to build momentum for sustainable investment in wetlands conservation, ensuring long-term resilience and impact.
About SARRI
The Southern Africa Ramsar Regional Initiative (SARRI) has been developed over 18 months and is backed by a strong coalition of governments, organizations and stakeholders dedicated to protecting wetlands through shared knowledge, resources and coordinated action.
As a Ramsar Regional Initiative, SARRI is designed to strengthen wetlands conservation efforts across the SADC region, fostering collaboration among Member States, communities and partners. Its core mission is to ensure wetlands remain key ecosystems for biodiversity, water regulation and community resilience.
“Poverty, unemployment, hunger, inequality, environmental degradation and climate change are but a few of the formidable and interconnected issues facing the world’s wetlands today. The complexity of these issues, and their fundamental interdependency, calls for enhanced reforms, inclusivity, cooperation and collective action to conserve wetlands amongst the nations of the world.”
Honourable Narend Singh
Deputy Minister Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, South Africa