ZIMBABWE CYNESA DELEGATES AT COP15 IN VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

Day 1 at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

As Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa delegates drawn from various dioceses across Zimbabwe, we are humbled to represent young people of faith across Africa, who are deeply committed to caring for Our Common Home, where wetlands are key ecosystems.

'Wetlands are God's handiwork, they store, filter and provide clean water for both the people and planet. As young people of faith, protecting wetlands is to care for Creation' LaudatoSi 217

Although wetlands play a significant role, they still remain the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. As ambassadors of Hope - Hope4Creation and Hope4Humanity especially in vulnerable and/ marginalised communities, our COP15 participation is more like a calling. We are here not only carrying hope, but also a shared responsibility towards sustainable use and conservation of wetlands for our common future.

It was also great meeting and learning from other key young people like Elizabeth Gulugulu including engaging with UNDP Zimbabwe who then invited us to a youth-centered side event to be held on the -28th of July (details to be shared soon)- If you are a young person attending COP15, don't miss!

We are looking forward to more engagements, dialogues, networks and opportunities for young people. Stay tuned.