Turning Commitments into Action: G-CAP Parliamentarians at Ramsar COP15
- Apoorva Bose
- Aug 17
- 3 min read
As the world converged in Zimbabwe for Ramsar COP15, the urgency to protect wetlands was palpable. Wetlands are not just landscapes; they are lifelines - essential for biodiversity, water security, and climate regulation. Yet, despite their critical role, wetlands remain among the most threatened ecosystems, often sidelined in national policies and legal frameworks.
This year, the Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians (G-CAP) – a flagship initiative of the G20 Global Land Initiative, hosted at UNCCD and in partnership with UNSSC - brought parliamentary leadership to the forefront of this conversation. Three G-CAP parliamentarians, Hon. Hamida Ali Kibwana (Kenya), Hon. Abdoulie Njai (Gambia), and Hon. Roseby Gadama (Malawi), carried the voices of a growing global network of lawmakers who are committed to turning global environmental commitments into national action.
At the heart of G-CAP’s engagement was an official side event titled “Enhancing Wetland Governance Through Parliamentary Leadership.” The session wasn’t just another panel discussion, it was a candid conversation on the real-world challenges of legislating for wetlands. From the political complexities of land-use pressures to the often-overlooked role of community voices, the parliamentarians shared stories from their own countries, highlighting both the hurdles and the hopes for more robust wetland governance.
Hon. Kibwana spoke passionately about Kenya’s efforts to embed local, especially women and youth, perspectives into conservation policies. For her, legal frameworks are not just about regulations but about recognising and amplifying the stewardship that already exists within communities. Hon. Njai reflected on Gambia’s experience of integrating young people into policy development, emphasizing that meaningful youth participation is not an add-on but a necessity for sustainable change. Meanwhile, Hon. Gadama from Malawi pointed to the enforcement gaps that often leave wetlands vulnerable and stressed the importance of creating inclusive policies that reflect the realities of rural communities.
Throughout the three days at COP15, the G-CAP delegation engaged in thematic sessions, explored cross-sector collaborations, and shared their experiences in filmed interviews. But more importantly, they listened - gathering insights from diverse stakeholders, civil society groups, and fellow policymakers.
One of the most significant takeaways from this mission was the reaffirmation that parliaments play a unique and irreplaceable role in environmental governance. International agreements like Ramsar set the global direction, but it is in national parliaments where these aspirations are debated, translated, and embedded into law. Legislators are not just policy architects; they are the crucial link between global frameworks and local action.
For G-CAP, Ramsar COP15 was not just a moment of representation; it was a moment of reflection. The mission highlighted the need for continuous support to parliamentarians—not just in building knowledge, but in creating platforms for exchange, collaboration, and visibility. As G-CAP looks ahead, the focus will remain on equipping and empowering lawmakers to lead with clarity, courage, and community at heart.
This is also at the core of the G20 Global Land Initiative’s mission: to accelerate national actions that reverse land degradation, restore ecosystems, and build climate-resilient societies. By strengthening parliamentary leadership through G-CAP, G20 GLI is investing in the changemakers who can turn ambitious global goals into transformative local realities: ensuring that land, people, and nature thrive together.
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