On the evening of July 25, 2025, the signing ceremony marking Zimbabwe’s joining to the International Mangrove Center (IMC) was held in Victoria Falls City, Zimbabwe. Hon. Evelyn Ndlovu, Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife of the Republic of Zimbabwe, signed the Establishment Agreement of the IMC on behalf of the Zimbabwean government. The ceremony was witnessed by Vice Administrator Yan Zhen of China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration. With this signing, Zimbabwe becomes the 19th signatory country of the IMC.
Vice Administrator Yan Zhen, Hon. Minister Evelyn Ndlovu, and Director-General Bao Daming, attended the signing ceremony together.
During the event, Minister Ndlovu warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation and representatives from the IMC Interim Secretariat. She noted that signing the Agreement would deepen Zimbabwe’s cooperation with all IMC member states—especially China. She also expressed hope that by participating in IMC activities, Zimbabwe would enhance its wetland management capacity and technical expertise.
The International Mangrove Center is the world’s first intergovernmental organization dedicated to mangrove conservation and restoration. By bringing together countries with a shared interest in mangrove ecosystems, the IMC fosters international cooperation and joint action to protect biodiversity, support sustainable development, and contribute to the objectives of global environmental agreements.