By Fanuel Chinowaita
Victoria Falls, July 31, 2025 – A strong call for global action on fossil fuel phase-out and wetland protection was made by Tinashe Muzama, Programs Officer at Manica Youth Assembly, during a youth-led panel discussion at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), currently underway in Victoria Falls.
Speaking on behalf of Manica Youth Assembly, Muzama emphasized the urgent link between fossil fuel dependence and the degradation of wetland ecosystems, urging African youth to seize the momentum of COP15 to advocate for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
“Wetlands play a critical role in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation, making their protection indispensable for a sustainable future,” Muzama said. “Without addressing the production of fossil fuels, we risk blowing through our climate targets.”
Muzama’s remarks come amid growing international pressure for governments to commit to a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels. He highlighted the global groundswell of support for the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, which is designed to complement the Paris Agreement and help meet the 1.5°C climate target.
He cited mounting support for the treaty, including endorsements from 101 Nobel Laureates—among them the Dalai Lama—over 3,000 scientists and academics, more than 525 parliamentarians across 70 countries, and more than 3,000 civil society organizations. Cities such as Barcelona, Lima, Vancouver, Sydney, Los Angeles, and Toronto have also signed on.
The treaty is based on three pillars: ending new fossil fuel developments, phasing out existing production equitably, and ensuring a just transition for affected workers and communities.
Muzama referenced Manica Youth Assembly’s alignment with the global movement for fossil fuel divestment, having joined the call for the treaty on August 12, 2023. He urged youth leaders to remain at the forefront of climate advocacy, stating, “Now is the time for youths to unite and drive this global movement for environmental change and justice.”
The Ramsar COP15 conference runs from July 23 to 31, bringing together governments, scientists, and civil society from across the world to discuss strategies to protect wetlands and advance environmental sustainability.