Pathfinders Global at COP15 Zimbabwe: Championing Wetlands, Indigenous Knowledge, and Sustainable Futures
The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) will take place from 23 to 31 July 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, bringing together global leaders, experts, and organizations to discuss the critical importance of wetlands for our planet's health and human well-being. Pathfinders Global is actively participating, co-leading and partnering on crucial side events that highlight innovative approaches and inclusive solutions for wetland conservation and restoration.
Our Role and Commitment
Our involvement underscores our commitment to integrating local knowledge, empowering communities, and promoting ecosystem-based solutions in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. As a sustainable travel company, we understand the vital link between healthy ecosystems, local communities, and responsible tourism, and our participation at COP15 reinforces this commitment.
Session 1: Listening to the Land - Indigenous Perspectives and Solutions
Pathfinders Global is proud to be a lead organization, alongside the Zimbabwe Youth Council and Climate Live, for this vital session. This event is a celebration and acknowledgment of the invaluable, intergenerational knowledge and leadership of Indigenous Peoples in conserving wetlands, building resilience, and advancing climate justice globally.
The session will specifically explore how traditional African knowledge and practices offer powerful complements to modern conservation science for effective wetland restoration and protection. Featuring an opening remark by Dayana Blanco Quiroga and a case study on Indigenous ecological practices shaping wetland restoration in Africa by Bismark Oppong, the event promises deep insights.
Event Details:
•Date: July 28, 2025
•Time: 18:30
•Location: Gwayi Room
A dynamic panel discussion will bring together diverse voices from government, youth, community, and policy sectors, fostering essential cross-regional dialogue. Attendees will have the chance to engage in a live Q&A and contribute personal or institutional pledges to a "Call to Action" wall, committing to centering Indigenous knowledge in wetland protection.
Session 2: Restoring Wetlands, Rebuilding Futures
As a partner organization, Pathfinders Global joins FAO, UNEP, and others in this important session addressing the pressures on wetlands in agricultural settings. This event aligns with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Ramsar STRP Task 3.3 on "Agriculture and Wetlands."
The session will showcase practical, scalable approaches that integrate wetland-friendly agriculture, agroecology, and nature-based solutions (NbS) to maintain wetland ecological character while ensuring agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
Event Details:
•Date: July 30, 2025
•Time: 13:30
•Location: Kalala Room
Moderated by Nadia Owusu (Youth Ecosystem Developer), the agenda includes insights from FAO, UNEP, and Task 3.3 experts, global and local restoration examples (including Bismark Oppong from Greenstoration Ghana), and a panel discussion. Pathfinders Global will be contributing to the panel on scaling Nature-Based Restoration in Agricultural Settings, alongside GreenAgro Foundation, Save the Grain, and the Ghana Forestry Commission.
Pathfinders Global's engagement at COP15 Zimbabwe reflects our dedication to fostering collaborative, knowledge-driven, and community-inclusive approaches to wetland conservation and climate resilience. Learn how you can support our participation at this year's COP15 by sending an email to Nadia.Owusu@pathfindersgl.com. We are excited to contribute to these crucial discussions and help shape a future where wetlands thrive, supporting both nature and people together with you.