Committee Members Propose Further Last Minute Amendments to Draft Decision Text on Victoria Falls World Heritage Site

Keep Victoria Falls Wild, 24th July 2024

Following submission of proposed amendments to the World Heritage Committee's Draft Decision text relating to the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, published on the UNESCO website yesterday morning (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 24th July 2026), further amendments were published this morning, only a matter of hours before the Committee were due to discuss the Site.

Download the revised amendment proposal here (direct pdf download from UNESCO website).

In the event the Committee ran over in its morning session, with five sites under Agenda Item 7B, including the Falls (last on the list), held over until the end of the afternoon session, only one of which was eventually discussed. Four Sites are therefore held over on the agenda and are now due to be discussed on Monday morning.

The two revised documents relating to the Site were published shortly after one another on the UNESCO website this morning, the second replacing the first. Comparison of these documents against the original draft text and the initially proposed amended text published yesterday reveal further minor amendments to points 4, 6, and 9 (amendments under points 8 and 10 are unchanged).

[suggested deleted text in red, additional text in blue]

4. Expresses serious concern that possible cumulative impacts from large-scale infrastructure and ever-increasing tourism developments within the property, its buffer zone, and (wider setting (where applicable) continue to pose a significant threat to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property, a situation exacerbated, among other things, by the fact that the States Parties continue to receive several proposed development project proposalss, which the States Parties have indicated to be at the scoping stage, are currently underway will continue receiving, and invites the States Parties to continue to provideinge further details on any ongoing or/ future the reported development projects that are/ will be under consideration as soon as more information is available; ...

6. Notes with regret, that at the time of producing this draft decision no update was provided regarding the letter (Ref: CLT/WHC/AFR/24/151) on the third-party concerns related relating to permits for two commercial tourism developments in highly sensitive zones on the Zimbabwean component of the property. Noting that information available online indicates that these developments have already commenced operation, expresses its deep concern about the potentially irreversible impacts of these projects on the integrity and the visual attributes of the property and urgently requests the States Parties to provide updates on the abovementioned letter and report on the monitoring and mitigation measures in place to ensure that the infrastructures do not negatively affect the OUV of the property; ...

9. The Committee notes the updates on Expresses continued concern regarding the likely negative impact of the proposed Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme (BGHES) on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property, and further reiterates its request that the revised ESIA must be in full conformity line with the above-mentioned guidance, including a rigorous assessment of alternative scenarios that minimize avoid mitigate negative impacts on the OUV, as recommended by the 2022 Reactive monitoring mission, and be submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review, prior to taking any decision that is difficult to reverse; The World Heritage Centre also attended a side event organized by States Parties on sustainable management .measures and acknowledged their efforts during its participation at the 47th Session. It was noted, however, that these measures are not currently reflected in the Draft Decision.

Point 12, with further details relating to tourism developments deleted, is now suggested to be merged under point 11:

11. Reiterates furthermore its request to the States Parties to submit a request for a boundary modification in accordance with the Operational Guidelines to set the precise boundaries of the property and its buffer zone, aligned with past Committee Decisions and the property’s Statement of OUV, and encourages the States Parties to seek further technical guidance from the World Heritage Centre and IUCN as required;

Also requests that information on the current status of all proposed development projects, reported by the States Parties at the scoping stage, including their precise location, and scale, be submitted to the World Heritage Centre as soon as such information becomes available, with particular attention to commercial tourism developments, notably the Cataract Island tours, ;Baines Restaurant, and Six senses eco-lodges, located in highly sensitive areas, notably Cataract Island and its riverine rainforest within the Zimbabwean component of the property;

And rewording of the proposed text under point 13 (now 12):

12. Recommends both States Parties to invite Advisory Bodies and WHC to the site for an on the ground boundary verification and for guidance on outstanding matters.

We believe the Committee should reject all these attempts to manipulate the amendment process in order to dilute the draft decision text relating to this Site, with the exception of approving the proposed text relating to the requested advisory mission to the Site.

See also:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (23rd July 2026) World Heritage Committee members attempt to dilute draft Decision text regarding Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (18th July 2026) Riverside Developments at Victoria Falls Threaten World Heritage Site 

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th July 2026) World Heritage Committee Turns Its Attentions to Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (9th July 2026) Still Kicking the Can Down the Road... UNESCO World Heritage Committee Draft Decision text published.

  

World Heritage Committee members attempt to dilute draft Decision text regarding Victoria Falls

Keep Victoria Falls Wild, 23rd July 2026

The World Heritage Centre have published the amended draft decision text relating to the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site in advance of the Committee discussing the Site at its 48th Session in Busan, South Korea.

Download the amended text document direct from the UNESCO website here.

The amended text, proposed by Committee members Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania and Togo, attempts to dilute the Committee's concerns over tourism developments (Points 4, 6 and 8) and the proposed Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (Point 9):

[suggested deleted text in red, additional text in blue]

4. Expresses serious concern that possible cumulative impacts from large-scale infrastructure and ever-increasing tourism developments within the property, its buffer zone, and wider setting where applicable continue to pose a significant threat to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property, a situation exacerbated, among other things, by the fact that several proposed development projects, which the States Parties have indicated to be at the scoping stage, are currently underway will continue receiving, and invites the States Parties to continue and provideing further details on any ongoing or future the reported development projects that are will be under consideration as soon as more information is available; ...

6. Notes with regret that no update was provided regarding the third-party concerns related that the State Party of Zimbabwe has a response in place relating to permits for two commercial tourism developments in highly sensitive zones on the Zimbabwean component of the property and will be duly submitted, and noting that information available online indicates that these developments have already commenced operation, expresses its deep concern about the potentially irreversible impacts of these projects on the integrity and the visual attributes of the property and urgently requests the States Parties to report on the monitoring and mitigation measures in place to ensure that the infrastructures do not negatively affect the OUV of the property; ...

8. Also reiterates its request to the States Parties to ensure that any project located within the property, its buffer zone, and wider setting, where applicable with potential impacts on the OUV is subject to assessment through ESIA or HIA in conformity with the Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessments in a World Heritage Context and submitted for review prior to any decision;

9. Expresses concern regarding Notes the updates on the proposed Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme (BGHES), provided by the States Parties during a side event at the 47th Session, which was attended by the World Heritage Centre, the Advisory Bodies and other global heritage experts, and expresses continued concern regarding the proposed project and further reiterates its request that the revised ESIA must be in full conformity line with the above-mentioned guidance, including a rigorous assessment of alternative scenarios that avoid mitigate negative impacts on the OUV, as recommended by the 2022 Reactive monitoring mission, taking into account the expected update of the ESIA being undertaken by the States Parties and be submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review, prior to taking any decision that is difficult to reverse;

Further amendments are made to the text regarding the revised Joint Management Plan for the site (Point 10), including:

c) Establishing enforceable visitor carrying capacities management mechanisms and strictly controlled areas in sensitive zones, ...

e) Strengthening the consideration and management of cumulative and transboundary impacts on the OUV of the property, particularly of major developments such as the proposed BGHES and ongoing urban growth, including their potential effects on hydrological regimes, ecological connectivity, geomorphological aspects, and visual integrity,

The proposed amended text also dilutes a specific request relating to controversial tourism developments on the south bank of the Site. 

12. Also requests that information on the current status of all proposed development projects, reported at the scoping stage including their precise location, and scale, be submitted to the World Heritage Centre as soon as such information becomes available, with particular attention to commercial tourism developments, notably the Cataract Island tours, Baines Restaurant, and Six senses eco-lodges, located in highly sensitive areas, notably Cataract Island and its riverine rainforest within the Zimbabwean component of the property;

Finally the amended text invites an 'Advisory Mission' to the Site:

13. Urges both States Parties to invite Advisory Mission to the property for an in situ boundary verification and guidance on outstanding matters.

We question the motivations of these Committee representatives in apparently under-mining the draft text recommended by the World Heritage Centre and its advisory body, the IUCN. It is fairly obvious that the amendments relating to tourism development pressures have been made on behalf of the State Party of Zimbabwe.

It remains to be seen if the Committee will accept the proposed dilution of the draft text. The Committee are due to discuss the Site tomorrow (Friday) morning. A live feed of the session is available on the UNESCO website here (check time difference if viewing from outside South Korea). 

See also:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (18th July 2026) Riverside Developments at Victoria Falls Threaten World Heritage Site 

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th July 2026) World Heritage Committee Turns Its Attentions to Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (9th July 2026) Still Kicking the Can Down the Road... UNESCO World Heritage Committee Draft Decision text published.

Zambia Commends Unesco And Advisory Bodies For Strengthening World Heritage Conservation

Busan, Republic Of Korea Tuesday, July 21, 2026

The Government of the Republic of Zambia has expressed profound gratitude to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and its Advisory Bodies for their continued technical support and collaboration in advancing the country's World Heritage conservation agenda.

Delivering Zambia's statement on the sidelines of the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Mr. EVANS MUHANGA reaffirmed Zambia's unwavering commitment to implementing the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Mr. MUHANGA said Zambia greatly appreciates the sustained support provided by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies—IUCN, ICOMOS and ICCROM—which has significantly strengthened the country's capacity to fulfil its obligations under the World Heritage Convention.

"The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for their continued support, technical guidance and constructive collaboration in assisting Zambia to implement the provisions of the 1972 World Heritage Convention," Mr. MUHANGA said.

He noted that the partnership has played a pivotal role in enhancing Zambia's World Heritage programme, particularly through the successful review and updating of the country's National Tentative List, thereby providing a stronger strategic direction for future World Heritage nominations.

The Permanent Secretary further highlighted the successful implementation of the Preliminary Assessment process for the proposed Kalambo Falls World Heritage nomination, describing it as a significant milestone in Zambia's efforts to secure international recognition for one of the country's most outstanding natural and cultural heritage sites.

Mr. MUHANGA paid special tribute to ICOMOS for its professional guidance and constructive recommendations, which have helped Zambia refine the Kalambo Falls nomination dossier while strengthening the site's protection and management framework in line with international standards.

He added that the continued collaboration with UNESCO, IUCN and ICOMOS has also contributed immensely to promoting sustainable development approaches that strike a balance between heritage conservation and the socio-economic aspirations of local communities living around heritage sites.

According to Mr. MUHANGA, the support rendered through capacity building, technical advisory services, monitoring missions, heritage impact assessments and the promotion of international best practices has substantially improved the management and conservation of Zambia's World Heritage property and other sites possessing Outstanding Universal Value.

He reaffirmed Zambia's commitment as a responsible State Party to the World Heritage Convention, emphasizing that the country values the enduring spirit of cooperation, dialogue and shared responsibility that characterizes the World Heritage community.

"Zambia looks forward to further strengthening its partnership with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Advisory Bodies and fellow States Parties as we collectively safeguard our shared cultural and natural heritage for present and future generations," he said.

The 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has brought together representatives from States Parties, heritage experts and international organizations from across the world to deliberate on matters relating to the conservation, protection and sustainable management of World Heritage properties.

Issued by:

Ndubi Rodger Mvula, Manager – Information and Public Relations.

Source: National Heritage Conservation Commission Facebook Page

Chiefs call for local benefits from Victoria Falls tourism

TRADITIONAL leaders from Zimbabwe and Zambia have called for communities living around the Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya World Heritage Site to directly benefit from the economic opportunities generated by the iconic tourist destination, while emphasising the need to safeguard its cultural and natural heritage.

The call was made during a recent entrepreneurship capacity-building workshop held in Victoria Falls, which brought together traditional leaders, Government officials, heritage experts and development partners to explore ways of promoting sustainable livelihoods through tourism and heritage-based enterprises.

Speaking at the workshop, Chief Hwange of Zimbabwe and Chief Musokotwane, representing traditional leaders from Zambia, said the world-renowned site is more than a tourism asset and remains deeply connected to the history, culture and identity of communities on both sides of the Zambezi River.

“Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site is not only a place of natural beauty. It’s also part of our history, our identity, our culture, and our way of life. Our forebears lived with this land, respected it, and passed on knowledge, values, stories, practices, and traditions that continue to give meaning to our communities today,” said Chief Hwange.

The workshop was attended by representatives from the African World Heritage Fund, UNESCO, Government departments, heritage authorities and community stakeholders.

Chief Musokotwane shared similar views, describing the Victoria Falls as a living heritage site that continues to hold cultural and spiritual significance for local communities.

“Much as is the case on this side of the Zambezi River, to us on the Zambian side, Mosi-oa-Tunya is more than a wonder to be admired. It is a living heritage, a place of memory, identity, and connection between our people, the

Zambezi River, our ancestors, and the land that has sustained communities for generations,” he said.

The two traditional leaders stressed the importance of balancing conservation efforts with community development, noting that preserving the heritage site and improving local livelihoods should go hand in hand.

“If we lose our heritage, we lose part of who we are. If we conserve it well, it can continue to benefit our children and generations to come,” said Chief Hwange.

He said initiatives aimed at empowering communities should deliver practical and lasting benefits.

“My expectation is that this workshop will not end only with speeches and certificates. It should leave our people with skills they can use, ideas they can develop, and confidence to start or improve businesses that are linked to our heritage and environment.”

Chief Hwange highlighted opportunities for local communities to participate in tourism-related ventures, including craft production, cultural performances, tour guiding, hospitality and food services.

“The benefits should not be seen only from afar. They should be felt in the homes, businesses, and daily lives of the communities that live near it,” he said.

While expressing support for development initiatives, he stressed that growth should not come at the expense of the site’s cultural and environmental value.

“As traditional leaders, we support development. But we believe development must be wise, respectful, and sustainable. It must protect sacred places, cultural practices, the river, wildlife, landscapes, and the values that give our communities their identity. True development is that which leaves both the people and the heritage stronger,” he said.

The traditional leaders also called for stronger collaboration between communities, governments, heritage authorities and international organisations to ensure residents are actively involved in decisions affecting their culture, livelihoods and the future of the World Heritage Site.

Source: Chiefs call for local benefits from Victoria Falls tourism (20/07/26)

Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Permanent Secretary Arrives In Busan For 48th Unesco World Heritage Committee Session

Busan, Republic of Korea, Monday, July 20, 2026

Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Mr. Evans Muhanga, has arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea, to lead the Zambian delegation attending the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, being held from 19 to 29 July 2026.

Mr. MUHANGA is heading a multi-sectoral delegation comprising officials from the National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC), the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) and the Zambian Embassy in Seoul, reflecting Zambia's continued commitment to the protection, conservation and promotion of its rich cultural and natural heritage.

The 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee has brought together representatives of States Parties, international heritage experts, advisory bodies and development partners from across the globe to deliberate on matters relating to the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention. During the ten-day meeting, the Committee will consider a wide range of issues, including reports on the activities of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, implementation of previous Committee decisions, capacity-building initiatives, the state of conservation of World Heritage properties, progress in implementing the World Heritage Strategy for Africa and reports concerning Small Island Developing States.

The Delegates will also review conservation reports for properties on both the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Committee will further examine nominations for inscription on the World Heritage List, review States Parties' Tentative Lists, consider requests for international assistance, deliberate on revisions to the Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention and review matters relating to periodic reporting and regional action plans before concluding with the adoption of decisions and preparations for the 49th Session of the Committee.

Mr. MUHANGA’s attendance of the Session reaffirms Zambia's commitment to safeguarding its heritage resources and strengthening international cooperation for present and future generations. The Session presents an important opportunity to delegates to share experiences, learn from other nations, strengthen partnerships and contribute to global decisions that shape the future of World Heritage conservation. Zambia is expected to actively participate in the deliberations while showcasing the country's commitment to sustainable heritage management.

The country's participation also provides an opportunity to engage with international partners in advancing conservation initiatives, promoting capacity building and supporting efforts aimed at increasing the recognition of Zambia's heritage resources on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Zambian delegation will also participate in side events, technical consultations and bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation in heritage conservation, sustainable tourism development and the protection of sites of Outstanding Universal Value.

Issued by:

Ndubi Mvula, Manager Information and Public Relations.

Source: National Heritage Conservation Commission Facebook Page.

 

Riverside Developments at Victoria Falls Threaten World Heritage Site

Keep Victoria Falls Wild, 18th July 2026

The Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site has been added to the list of Sites to be discussed by the World Heritage Committee at the forthcoming 48th session of World Heritage Committee, to be held at Busan, Republic of Korea over 19th-29th July 2026. The nomination of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site for discussion by the Committee follows a growing list of conservation issues relating to increasing tourism development pressures, failures in State Party reporting and ongoing delays in the finalisation of a joint management plan for the Site (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, January 2026).

The World Heritage Committee has repeatedly warned over the cumulative impacts of tourism developments at the Victoria Falls, with recent controversy centred on the Baines Restaurant development, constructed over 2022 and opened in 2023 within the World Heritage Site and without notification or disclosure to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The development, together with the neighbouring 'Rock Pool' development, developed and operated by the National Park Authority, are located within the World Heritage Site 'HESZ' which supposedly prevents all new development zone.

The developments are within an area which has been protected against development since 1904 with the formation of the Victoria Falls Park. It was declared a National Monument in recognition of its cultural heritage significance in 1937, and protected as a National Park in 1952 in recognition of its conservation and environmental importance. In the mid-1970s it was part of an area declared 'permanently protected' against all new development under the 1975 Victoria Falls Outline Plan, before being designated as a World Heritage Site in 1989. Under the 2007 and 2016 joint management plans the area was declared part of the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (HESZ) which prevents all new development. Yet despite all these protections the developments were pushed ahead during 2022/3, without prior notification or disclosure to UNESCO and despite a legal challenge against the developments in the Zimbabwean courts (raised in 2022 before the main construction started and still to be heard), and have been operational since 2023.

The 1975 'Permanently Protected' Area, Victoria Falls

Critically, the 1975 'permanently protected' area has also not been fully disclosed to UNESCO within the joint management plans, leaving the World Heritage Committee in the dark over the protected area (Roberts, 2026).

In April campaign group Keep Victoria Falls Wild called for a moratorium on all developments within and surrounding the Site until finalisation, and agreement by the World Heritage Committee, of a new joint management plan for the Site (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, April 2026).

Read more on the 1975 permanently protected area on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

References

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (January 2026) Reaction and Response to 2025 State of Conservation Report and 2025-2030 Draft Joint Integrated Management Plan [pdf, direct download from the KVFW website, 0.6mb, opens in a new window].

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (April 2026) Serious Concerns Over Management of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site [pdf, direct download from the KVFW website, 1.3mb, opens in a new window].

Roberts, P (2026) Paradise Lost? Conservation and Development of the Victoria Falls (1900-2025). Zambezi Book Company / CreateSpace Independent Publishing. [external link to Zambezi Book Company website, opens in a new window].

An Impassioned Plea to Respect Protected Areas at Victoria Falls

In this short video Mr Herbert Ncube, Chairman, of Hwange District Residents Association, Zimbabwe, highlights concerns over tourism development pressures at the Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Mr Ncube speaks powerfully over concerns regarding the recent development of tourism sites along the south bank of the river immediately above the Falls, including the launch of tours to Cataract Island, a cultural heritage site, in 2021, and development of the Baines Restaurant and National Park 'Rock Pool' bar over 2022/3.

The river, islands and riverside immediately above and below the Falls are part of a historic sacred cultural landscape for the local people of the Falls. This islands on the edge of the Falls were used to make offerings to appease the ancestor spirits who were believed to reside in the shadows of the mist and spray below the great Falls (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 30th April 2022).

The developments are within an area which has been protected against development since 1904 with the formation of the Victoria Falls Park. It was declared a National Monument in recognition of its cultural heritage significance in 1937, and protected as a National Park in 1952 in recognition of its conservation and environmental importance. In the mid-1970s it was part of an area declared 'permanently protected' against all new development under the Victoria Falls Outline Plan, before being designated as a World Heritage Site in 1989. Under the 2007 and 2016 joint management plans the area was declared part of the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (HESZ) which prevents all new development. Yet despite all these protections the development was pushed ahead during 2022, without prior notification or disclosure to UNESCO and despite a legal challenge against its development in the Zimbabwean courts (still to be heard), and has been operational since 2023.

The 1975 'Permanently Protected' Area, Victoria Falls

The plea comes as the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is due to discuss the future of the World Heritage Site at its 48th Session, to be held in Busan, Republic of Korea over 19th-29th July 2026 (VictoriaFalls Bits and Blogs, 15th July 2026). The Committee has repeated warned over the cumulative impact of tourism developments at the Site (VictoriaFalls Bits and Blogs, 9th July 2026).

Critically, the 1975 'permanently protected' area has also not been fully disclosed to UNESCO within the joint management plans, leaving the World Heritage Committee in the dark over the protected area (Roberts, 2026).

In April campaign group Keep Victoria Falls Wild called for a moratorium on all developments within and surrounding the Site until finalisation, and agreement by the World Heritage Committee, of a new joint management plan for the Site (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, April 2026).

Read more on tourism development pressures at the Victoria Falls on the Keep VictoriaFalls Wild website.

References

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (April 2026) Serious Concerns Over Management of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (pdf, direct download from the KVFW website, 1.3mb).

Roberts, P (2026) Paradise Lost? Conservation and Development of the Victoria Falls (1900-2025). Zambezi Book Company / CreateSpace Independent Publishing. [external link to Zambezi Book Company website, opens in a new window].

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (30th April 2022) Legends of the Victoria Falls (Part 1): Spirits of the Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th July 2026) World Heritage Committee Turns Its Attentions to Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (9th July 2026) Still Kicking the Can Down the Road... UNESCO World Heritage Committee Draft Decision text published.

World Heritage Committee Turns Its Attentions to Victoria Falls

Keep Victoria Falls Wild, 15th July 2026

The Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site has been added to the list of Sites to be discussed by the World Heritage Committee at the forthcoming 48th session of World Heritage Committee, to be held at Busan, Republic of Korea over 19th-29th July 2026.

Following publication of the Draft Decision text to be presented to the Committee next week for adoption (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 9th July 2026), and 'third party' representations submitted to Committee members on Monday morning, the Site was nominated by Senegal in a revised list (WHC/26/48.COM/INF.7.Rev) published on the UNESCO website later the same day.

"The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies open for discussion  only state of conservation reports... where they propose to: Remove a site from the List of World Heritage in Danger, inscribe a site on the List of World Heritage in Danger, or Delete a site from the World Heritage List.

"World Heritage Committee members can also propose to open for discussion a state of conservation report initially foreseen for adoption without discussion." (UNESCO/World Heritage Centre 2026)

The nomination of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site for discussion by the Committee follows a growing list of conservation issues relating to increasing tourism development pressures, failures in State Party reporting and ongoing delays in the finalisation of a joint management plan for the Site (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, January 2026).

The World Heritage Committee has repeatedly warned over the cumulative impacts of tourism developments at the Victoria Falls, with recent controversy centred on the Baines Restaurant development, constructed over 2022 and opened in 2023 within the World Heritage Site and without notification or disclosure to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The development, together with the neighbouring 'Rock Pool' development, developed and operated by the National Park Authority, are not only located within the World Heritage Site 'HESZ' (no new development zone) but also within an extended area declared 'protected permanently' from all new development under the 1975 Victoria Falls Outline Plan but not fully disclosed to UNESCO in joint management plans for the Site (Roberts, 2026).

The 1975 'Permanently Protected' Area, Victoria Falls

In April campaign group Keep Victoria Falls Wild called for a moratorium on all developments within and surrounding the Site until finalisation, and agreement by the World Heritage Committee, of a new joint management plan for the Site (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, April 2026).

References

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (January 2026) Reaction and Response to 2025 State of Conservation Report and 2025-2030 Draft Joint Integrated Management Plan (pdf, direct download from the KVFW website, 0.6mb).

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (April 2026) Serious Concerns Over Management of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (pdf, direct download from the KVFW website, 1.3mb).

Roberts, P (2026) Paradise Lost? Conservation and Development of the Victoria Falls (1900-2025). Zambezi Book Company / CreateSpace Independent Publishing.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (9th July 2026) Still Kicking the Can Down the Road... UNESCO World Heritage Committee Draft Decision text published.

UNESCO/World Heritage Centre (2026) WHC/26/48.COM/INF.7.Rev (pdf, direct download from the KVFW website).

ZACC, Min of Local Gvt form Special Taskforce to Investigate Victoria Falls Council amid residents outcry

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works have established a joint Special Taskforce to investigate suspected corruption at the Victoria Falls City Council and other local authorities across the country.

This was revealed by ZACC Chairperson Mr Michael Reza during the African Anti-Corruption Day commemorations held in Victoria Falls on Saturday.

The decision comes after a torrent of complaints from residents regarding alleged mismanagement and graft in the resort city.

“We are aware of the issues that have been raised by the residents of this beautiful city of Victoria Falls, and I would like to advise that, as ZACC, working together with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, we have set up a joint Special Taskforce to investigate cases of suspected corruption in local authorities,” said Mr. Reza.

The formation of the taskforce follows an outcry from citizens over questionable land deals, procurement irregularities, and the abuse of office by council officials.

Mr Reza said areas rich in strategic natural resources, like Matabeleland North, are particularly vulnerable to corrupt activities.

“Matabeleland North is important to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and realisation of Vision 2030. The presence of wildlife, forests, and mineral resources exposes the region to corruption vulnerabilities like criminal abuse of duty, fraud, and bribery,” he said.

While assuring the public that ZACC remains impartial, the Chairperson acknowledged that thorough investigations can be time-consuming.

“Some investigations might take long to conclude. We understand that this can be frustrating to the residents, but it remains important for us to be thorough and purposeful,” he said.

Mr Reza praised residents for their vigilance and willingness to act as whistleblowers against corrupt elements.

“Whistleblowers and witnesses are the backbone of our anti-corruption efforts. ZACC continues to advocate for a robust law to protect these brave individuals,” he said.

He expressed confidence that legislation would soon be enacted to safeguard them.

Since 2022, ZACC has overseen the signing of over 30 000 individual integrity pledges and established more than 320 integrity committees.

“Integrity pledges have been signed by senior government officials, including Ministers and the Chief Secretary. This indicates a strong will by the Government to inculcate integrity in the public sector,” Mr Reza said.

Furthermore, ZACC is working towards establishing a provincial office in Matabeleland North to enhance accessibility and allow citizens to report corruption directly.

“This is our way of ensuring that every Zimbabwean has a voice in the fight against corruption,” he said.

Source: ZACC, Min of Local Gvt form Special Taskforce to Investigate Victoria Falls Council amid residents outcry (12/07/2026)

Still Kicking the Can Down the Road... UNESCO World Heritage Committee Draft Decision text published

Keep Victoria Falls Wild, 9th July 2026 (revised 12th July 2026)

UNESCO World Heritage Committee Draft Decision text published ahead of 48th Session...

List of outstanding and unresolved issues grows as State Parties fail to respond to World Heritage Centre requests...

Committee yet again fails to address recent and proposed tourism developments within Site's 'No New Development' Zone...

Yet further delays to finalisation of new Joint Management Plan - five years and counting to develop draft a management plan covering a five year period.

UNESCO have released the draft papers and reports to be considered by the World Heritage Committee at its forthcoming 48th session, to be held at Busan, Republic of Korea over 19th-29th July 2026. The documents are available to download from the UNESCO website here.

The World Heritage Centre's overview and the Committee's draft Decision text relating to the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site is published within document WHC/26/48.COM/7B.Add (UNESCO/World Heritage Centre, 2026), and presented below in full for ease of reference.

The Committee is due to consider its response to the latest State of Conservation report and draft Joint Management Plan for the World Heritage Site, submitted in December 2025. We previously reported on the many issues of concern within these documents in a Special Report in January this year (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, January 2026).

Mosi-oa-Tunya Resort Development (Zambia)

Under 'Current Conservation Issues' the text highlights lack of clarification of the status of mitigation measures, originally requested in 2024, relating to the Mosi-oa-Tunya Resort development in Zambia, constructed in 2021/2 "without fully meeting all the approval conditions set out in the Zambian Environmental Management Authority (ZEMA) Decision Letter" and currently managed as the Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Resort.

"While it is reported that the completed construction of the Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort Hotel does not adversely affect the OUV of the property, the 2022 Reactive Monitoring mission identified numerous shortfalls and non-compliance with the World Heritage status of the property, including differing interpretations of zoning terms. Given that the project has already been completed, and in light of the concerns raised by the mission and in previous Committee Decisions, the information provided by the State Party does not demonstrate whether the mitigation measures previously reported are being implemented to adequately address negative impacts on the property’s OUV. The development of a comprehensive Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), as recommended in the 2022 reactive monitoring mission, and already mentioned in the report submitted by the States Parties in February 2024, is even more urgent to ensure that the mitigation and monitoring initiatives put in place also consider the visual integrity and cumulative effects of the project. In addition, the reported review of the 2007 Zonation Scheme should be expedited to clarify the inconsistencies and refine the associated permissible-use thresholds."

In summary this issue has not been progressed, by either the World Heritage Centre or the State Party, since the Committee's 2024 decision and request for mitigation measures. This development was pushed ahead without notification or disclosure to UNESCO during 2021, and continued despite requests from the World Heritage Centre to suspend development pending review of the proposals. A subsequent IUCN/UNESCO Reactive Monitoring Mission Report highlighted several significant issues of non-compliance with national planning approvals (UNESCO/World Heritage Centre, 2023a).

Baines Restaurant and Cataract Island Tours (Zimbabwe)

The text also notes no update has yet to be given in relation to the launch of tours to Cataract Island in 2022 and development of the Baines Restaurant over 2022/3. The Committee's belated draft reaction to these developments, following up on an unanswered request for further details from the World Heritage Centre on 14th March 2023 (UNESCO/World Heritage Centre, 2023b), is to merely state: 

"Finally, no update was provided regarding the third-party concerns related to permits for two commercial tourism developments in highly sensitive zones of the property, notably Cataract Island and its riverine rainforest on the Zimbabwean component, which remain of great concern, particularly given available online information indicating that they have already commenced operations."

So nothing has been progressed on this key issue, by either party, since the sending of a letter by the World Heritage Committee in March 2023. Tours to Cataract Island were launched in 2021 without notification or disclosure to UNESCO, despite a previous request from the World Heritage Committee for a full EIA disclosure in 2017 in specific reference to this proposal (World Heritage Committee, 2017).

The area of the Baines development has been protected against development since 1904 with the formation of the Victoria Falls Park. It was declared a National Monument in 1937 in recognition of its cultural heritage significance and protected as a National Park in 1952 in recognition of its conservation and environmental importance. In the mid-1970s it was part of an area declared 'permanently protected' against all new development under the Victoria Falls Outline Plan, before being designated as a World Heritage Site in 1989. Under the 2007 and 2016 joint management plans the area was declared part of the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (HESZ) which prevents all new development. Yet despite all these protections the development was pushed ahead during 2022, without prior notification or disclosure to UNESCO and despite a legal challenge against its development in the Zimbabwean courts (still to be heard), and has been operational since 2023 (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, September 2023; June 2025; April 2026).

The 1975 'Permanently Protected' Area, Victoria Falls

The EIA approval was granted on the basis of the false claim that the site of the development was within the 'Medium Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (MESZ) and a permissible development - when it is in fact in the High Ecologically Sensitive Zone which prevents all new development. Even if it was in the MESZ it would still not be a permissible development. 

Critically, the 1975 'permanently protected' area has also not been fully disclosed to UNESCO within the joint management plans, leaving the World Heritage Committee in the dark over the protected area (Roberts, 2026).

Further Developments (Zimbabwe)

The text also indicates the World Heritage Centre sent the State Parties a letter in September 2024 requesting information relating to proposed tourism developments within the Site's 'no new development' zone (the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' or HESZ) - sadly not specified but believed to relate to the lease agreements, already signed with third parties, for the development of the proposed riverside 'tree lodges' and Kandahar Camp developments on the southern, Zimbabwean, side of the Falls. Not surprisingly, eighteen months later, the World Heritage Centre has not had any response to this request.

"In a letter dated 25 September 2024, the World Heritage Centre transmitted to the State Party of Zimbabwe, for comments, third-party information reporting the issuance of several commercial sites for tourism developments in contradiction to the existing JIMP within the property. No response has been received from the State Party at the time of writing this report."

So yet again, absolutely no progress on this issue since 2024.

Draft Decision Text

In its Draft Decision text the World Heritage Committee:

"4. Expresses serious concern that cumulative impacts from large-scale infrastructure and ever-increasing tourism development within the property, its buffer zone, and wider setting continue to pose a significant threat to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property, a situation exacerbated, among other things, by the fact that several development projects, which the States Parties have indicated to be at the scoping stage, are currently underway, and invites the States Parties to provide further details on the reported development projects that are under consideration as soon as more information is available: ...

"6. Notes with regret that no update was provided regarding the third-party concerns related to permits for two commercial tourism developments in highly sensitive zones on the Zimbabwean component of the property, noting that information available online indicates that these developments have already commenced operation, expresses its deep concern about the potentially irreversible impacts of these projects on the integrity and the visual attributes of the property and urgently requests the States Parties to report on the monitoring and mitigation measures in place to ensure that the infrastructures do not negatively affect the OUV of the property;

"7. Also notes with regret that the construction of the Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort Hotel proceeded without fully meeting approval conditions at the national level and following the Committee’s request to halt further activities until the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) had been submitted and reviewed, and reiterates its requests to the States Parties to implement the 2022 Reactive monitoring mission recommendation to develop a comprehensive Environmental and Social Management plan, which the States Parties indicated in their 2024 report was already being developed, ensuring that the mitigation measures put in place take into account the visual integrity and cumulative effects of the project and address its negative impacts on the property’s OUV;

"8. Also reiterates its request to the States Parties to ensure that any project located within the property, its buffer zone, and wider setting with potential impacts on the OUV is subject to assessment through ESIA or HIA in conformity with the Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessments in a World Heritage Context and submitted for review prior to any decision; "

Joint Management Plan

Regarding the draft Joint Management Plan for the site, the text raises several specific concerns to be addressed in a revised draft, to be submitted as part of an 'interim report' by 1st February 2027, but which will not presumably be considered by the Committee until mid-2028.

"13. Finally requests the States Parties to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2027, an interim report including a copy of the updated JIMP, taking into consideration the comments outlined above, and by 1 December 2027, an updated report on the State of Conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 50th session."

The new five-year Joint Management Plan for the Site was originally due for submission by end of June 2024, with UNESCO agreeing an extension until June 2025 to allow 'finalisation' of the plan (World Heritage Committee, 2024). The new plan was  subsequently submitted in December 2025, but with key sections missing (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, January 2026). It will now be at least mid-2028 before the 'final' version will be reviewed by the World Heritage Committee, meaning that it will have taken more than five years to develop a five year management plan.

Continued Failings

The State Party representatives on both sides of the river will no doubt yet again be patting each other on the back for successfully delaying any significant review of tourism developments at the Site by the Committee until 2028. The World Heritage Committee's current draft decision text actually undermines long-standing conservation protections preventing development. 

The failure of the State Parties to respond to previous Committee requests for further information relating to the Baines Restaurant and Cataract Island tours, and failure of the Committee to previously react to these developments, despite full particulars being supplied by 'third-parties', mean that these operations will have been operational for several years before the World Heritage Committee has even officially acknowledged their existence. The Draft Decision text response to the State Parties failure to notify the Committee in advance of this development, the flawed EIA report and subsequent EIA approvals is to merely request "the States Parties to report on the monitoring and mitigation measures in place to ensure that the infrastructures do not negatively affect the OUV of the property" is totally inadequate. 

The Draft Decision text as it currently stands is, considering the background the Baines Restaurant development and its location, a complete capitulation. The only mitigation measure which will ensure that the Baines Restaurant development does not negatively affect the OUV of the property, or more to the point infringe existing legal protections, is its total and absolute removal from the site. The Committee should, and indeed must, call for the upholding of these protections and for the development to be removed and the area fully restored to its natural aspect. Failure to comply should result in the Site being listed on the World Heritage Site List of Sites in Danger. 

The Committee's continued failure to fully address the issues relating to this and other tourism developments, including the proposed 'tree lodge' development, for which plans are well advanced (the development is reportedly to be managed under InterContinental Hotel Group's exclusive 'Six Senses' brand), at the current 48th Session risks legitimising inappropriate developments which threaten the future World Heritage status of the Site. Requesting mitigation measures on a completely illegitimate development, after it has been constructed without notification to UNESCO is not an acceptable compromise in this example, and is already proving totally ineffective in relation to the Mosi-oa-Tunya Resort development in Zambia. 

In failing to address and progress these issues the World Heritage Committee is rapidly making itself a significant part of the problem, and in turning a blind eye to these developments is actually facilitating in the degradation of this Site, raising serious questions and concerns over the whole 'World Heritage Site' system of governance and overview in relation to natural heritage sites - with the Victoria Falls rapidly becoming a prime case study example (Roberts, 2026).

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Download the full draft text relating to Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site in pdf format here.

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References

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (September 2023) Spotlight on Baines Restaurant. 11th September (revised). (pdf)

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (June 2025) Special Report on the Riverine Fringe (pdf, 1.8mb)

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (January 2026) Reaction and Response to 2025 State of Conservation Report and 2025-2030 Draft Joint Integrated Management Plan (pdf, 0.6mb)

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (April 2026) Serious Concerns Over Management of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (pdf, 1.3mb)

Roberts, P (2026) Paradise Lost? Conservation and Development of the Victoria Falls (1900-2025). Zambezi Book Company / CreateSpace Independent Publishing.

State Parties (2025) 2025 Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya State of Conservation Report/Joint Integrated Management Plan (pdf download [18.9 mb], opens in a new window)

UNESCO/World Heritage Centre (2023a) Final Joint Mission Report Mosi-oa-Tunya, Victoria Falls (Zambia/ Zimbabwe) 9-13 February 2022 (pdf download [3.3 mb], opens in a new window)

UNESCO/World Heritage Centre (2023b) Conservation Issues, Analysis and Conclusions (45 COM 7B.10).

UNESCO/World Heritage Centre (2026) Item 7B of the Provisional Agenda: State of Conservation of properties inscribed on the of World Heritage List (WHC/26/48.COM/7B.Add).  Draft Decision text relating to the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.

World Heritage Committee (2017) Decisions Adopted 41COM 7B.22, point 6.

World Heritage Committee (2024) Decisions Adopted, 46COM 7B.60, point 5d.