Wildlife-based enterprise and Ramsar COP15

With Ramsar COP15 scheduled to take place in July 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, there is an opportunity to align COP15 deliberations with the region’s aim to develop its wildlife economy, as outlined in SADC’s Wildlife-Based Economy Strategy Framework. This policy brief profiles and explores the potential for wildlife-based enterprise in SADC Ramsar sites. 

As highlighted in Doc 23.3 on the Draft resolution on the Strategic Plan of the Convention on Wetlands 2025-2034, “the wise use of all wetlands is a fundamental concept underpinning the work of the Convention on Wetlands.” This is reflected in the draft text for Goal 2 of the Strategy: 

Wetland wise use is [achieved][promoted], where the multiple values, functions and services of wetlands are understood and recognised in policy and planning, the [inclusive] participation of all is enabled in decision-making, and action is taken for wetlands for the benefit of present and future generations [as appropriate].

At COP15, the Parties will also consider, in Doc 23.20, a Draft resolution on promoting sustainable lifestyles for the wise use of wetlands. It includes a commitment to “create enabling conditions… to enhance the wise use of wetlands,” and invites “the private sector and other stakeholders to promote and enhance cooperation… that enable the adoption of more sustainable lifestyles, including sustainable living within wetland conservation and wise use interventions.”

In this brief, we highlight examples from across the SADC member states of how wildlife-based enterprises are enabling sustainable lifestyles through the wise use of wetlands. 

Conserving SADC’s wetlands is not only an environmental objective, but also a fundamental strategy for sustainable economic development across the region.