World Heritage Committee Discussion on Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, 27th July 2026

Keep Victoria Falls Wild, 27th July 2026

Unofficial transcript of World Heritage Committee discussion regarding State of Conservation of the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, at the 48th session of the Committee, held at Busan, Republic of Korea,  27th July 2026, morning session.

You can watch the full session on the UNESCO YouTube channel here. (discussion on Victoria Falls starts around 3.25).

Download an audio file (mp3) of the discussion on the Victoria Falls here.

Download the amended draft decision text for the Site (pdf), as submitted to the World Heritage Centre on 24th July 2026 here. Please note that UNESCO will publish the final agreed text on their website at some point in the near future. Note that there may be minor differences between the amendments as drafted in this document and the amendments as discussed by the Committee (for example point 13). We will publish a detailed comparison and review of the agreed decision text in due course.

Please also note that certain sections of the dialog are unclear as to the specific wordings of the Committee or Chair and this transcript should be checked against the audio/video, which has subtitled (but not always correct!) for confirmation and clarification. 

Session Chaired by Mr Lee Byong-Hyun.

African World Heritage Centre Representative: Mr Muhammad Muhammad Juma.

IUCN Representative: Mizuki Murai, Senior Programme Coordinator.

World Heritage Watch Representative: Stephan Doempke.

WHC48-7B-93 Transcript of Discussion

[Chair] OK, thank you, Excellences, dear colleagues, we will continue with 7B Nature, Africa. I now would like to give the floor to the delegation of Senegal to present to the Committee the reason why it requested to open for discussion the state of conservation of the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe. Mr Ambassador you have the floor.

[Senegal] Thank you Chairperson. Senegal wishes to thank the Secretariat for agreeing to open the state of conservation report on the Victoria Falls property. With your permission we would like to give the floor to the distinguished Ambassador of Tanzania in order to present this item. Thank you Chair.

[Chair] Err, Senegal now is not the right time to give the floor to Tanzania or Zambia, so later on, specifications... you introduce, please.

[Senegal] No, in fact we would like to give the floor to Tanzania in order to introduce why Senegal requested the opening of the report on the state of conservation.

[Chair] So agreed among African group? I recognise Ambassador Faye just come back.

[Senegal] Yes, Chairperson, we requested this discussion and within the African group we decided that Kenya would be taking the floor.

[Chair] If that's the case I now invite Tanzania, OK, you have the floor

[Tanzania] Sorry Chair, I think the Chair of the African group mentioned that within the African group the first one to take the floor will be Kenya followed by Tanzania, with your permission.

[Chair] OK, Kenya?

[Kenya] Thank you Mr Chairman for this opportunity. As regards this matter we appreciate the demonstrated efforts invested by the State Parties of Zambia and Zimbabwe in the preservation and the conservation of the OUV of the property amid competing interests at the Site.

Chair, our main issue lies in the need to address a selected few technical aspects embedded in the draft decision, and besides the language used, which we believe should be moderated, we consider that there are technical issues that we need to acknowledge.

One of the issues that we have noted the issue of the State Parties making strides in a positive direction. As we are gathered here we are informed that a team of experts is conducting assessment in response to a call from the Zimbabwe National Committee on calculation of risks undermining the critical conservation and protection in Victoria Falls.

Chair, with particular emphasis on the Baines Restaurant and the Cataract Island activity, these, in our opinion, are not part of high magnitude developments. On the balance of probabilities the two State Parties are leaning more on the positive rather than the negative. More tangible efforts have been done towards mitigation of negative impacts.

Chair, the state party of Zambia in their actions are a true statement to the further confirmation for the need to balance conservation and sustainable development in line with the 2015 Policy document on the sustainable development, among others.

We propose that both State Parties continue to engage in dialogue with the World Heritage Centre and IUCN and that they invite an Advisory Mission on the best ways of dealing with issues surrounding Victoria Falls. In this light we call for the opening of the item and have proposed amendments to the draft decision. Thank you Chair.

[Chair] OK, thank you. I now invite Mr Muhammad Juma Muhammad Chief of the African World Heritage Centre, and IUCN to provide their comments. You have the floor.

[African World Heritage Centre Representative] Thank you very much Mr Chair. Mr Chair, this is a joint intervention from World Heritage Centre Secretariat and IUCN. In the spirit of cooperation that the Kenya announced, and support for the State Parties, Mr Chair we are please to inform the distinguished committee members that having taking note of the proposed amendments the Secretariat and IUCN met with the State Parties of Zambia and Zimbabwe for constructive exchange and dialogue, which led to clarification and agreement on points raised. Thank you Mr Chair.

[Chair] Thank you. IUCN.

[IUCN Representative] Thank you Mr Chair. The WHC gave a joint intervention on behalf of the Centre and IUCN, however I would also like to acknowledge and wish to thank the State Parties of Zambia and Zimbabwe for the constructive meeting that we held of the 23rd July. Thank you Mr Chair.

[Chair] OK, thank you. As Kenyan delegation rightly pointed out we surely have amended proposal, so please upload on the screen.

Para 1, 2, 3, with original language, unless there is objection? Para 1,2,3 adopted.

Para 4 - no objections? Para 4 adopted as amended.

Para 5, original language, normal litigation. Para 5 - Adopted.

Para 6 - I see no questions, no objections. Para 6 adopted as amended.

Para 7, with original language. Para 7 adopted.

Para 8. I see no objection. Para 8 adopted as amended.

Para 9. I see no objection. Para 9 adopted as amended.

Para 10, small 'a', small 'b' - no problem, small 'c' - minor wording change, 'd', 'e', 'f'. So Para 10 - OK, Poland.

[Poland] Thank you Chair, we think that with the paragraph point 'e' we would like to remain the point 'ecological connectivity' because that is really important for the Site and I think it would be good to leave it here.

[Chair] OK, Kenya.

[Kenya] Thank you Chair. We wish to bring to your notice that the Site was inscribed under criterion 7 and 8, so this 'ecological connectivity' is not well grounded, so that's why we propose for geomorphological aspects, thank you.

[Chair] Poland, and followed by Switzerland

[Poland] Thank you very much. I know - I have this understanding - that one of the attributes, there is migratory route for birds, so ecological connectivity, this ecological connectivity is really important apart from the beauty and exception phenomenon. Thank you.

[Chair] Thank you. Switzerland

[Switzerland] Thank you Chairperson for giving us the floor. We wish to support what our colleagues from Poland have stated and we would add additional that there are birds there are also deciduous forest which comply with criterion 7 so ecological connectivity is very important here, so perhaps which should retain 'ecological connectivity' and 'geomorphological aspects' as well. Thank you.

[Chair] OK, Kenya

[Kenya] Sorry the issue here is, those issue of birds that just added information during the interactive statement of our OUV.

We also appreciate that we have those two species of bird, the black eagle and the taita falcon that was mentioned in the interactive statement. But the gist of the inscription was under criterion 7 and criterion 8, kindly, thank you.

[Chair] Tanzania.

[Tanzania] Thank you Chair, we wish to align to Kenya because the key consideration for this site is criteria 8 and it is very difficult to see why we should now add 'ecological connectivity' which is a very different criteria. And perhaps Kenya, sorry, Chair, at your discretion, if we could also ask the State Parties concerned to add some information on this particular discussion. Thank you Chair.

[Chair] OK for this very specific question to State Party for one minute, maximum one minute. Zambia.

[Zambia] Thank you Mr Chairman, as this is the first time for us to come on the floor we would like to appreciate the hospitality granted to us by the State Party of Republic of Korea. Just like as the committee members have pointed out the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls was inscribed on geological criteria, and even these said migratory routes are not there - there is no, nothing to do with migratory route at the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site

And even the taita falcon which has been said here, the recent studies that have been done at the WHS point to the fact there was only one taita falcon which was seemingly - and I'm using the word seemingly - spotted during this study. Therefore you cannot submit the State Parties to that terminology. And this is the same terminology which was removed when we last met in Saudi Arabia if not in India. So therefore we are asking that this terminology be removed because in the future it may be used against us wrongfully as has been the case in the past. I submit Mr Chairman.

[Chair] Thank you but despite criteria concerned, relevant criteria, ecological connectivity does not harm, so I don't understand why 'ecological connectivity' plus 'geomorphological aspect'... Czechia

[Czechia] Thank you Mr Chair, we would like to ask Secretariat or IUCN to add more information so that we may understand better the situation. Thank you very much.

[Chair] Ok, thank you. Advisory bodies, expertise, opinion?

[IUCN Representative] Thank you Mr Chair. I think in this regard the sentence refers to 'including', so it is under the understanding that these are some of the aspects to be considered. With regard specifically to the ecological connectivity indeed this property is inscribed under criterion 7 and 8, nonetheless the statement of OUV as a whole including the text under integrity, it does point towards the broader ecological aspects of this property as part of the wider ecosystems. Thank you Mr Chair.

[Chair] OK, thank you IUCN. I now give the floor to Kenya.

[Kenya] OK, thank you Chair. Our position is that what needs to be the focus of the two State Parties as regards the Site is sticking to the criteria 7 and 8, look at the continued conservation and management of the geomorphological aspects and the reasons to do with hydrological regimes. This 'ecological connectivity' is kind of not well grounded, because those two species, those that have been floated here, there is no indication how they are affected by any of these developments that you are talking about, thank you.

[Chair] Tanzania - and just produce some constructed compromise.

[Tanzania] Thank you Chair, thank you very much. I think we need to be focussed. We are very much guided by the criteria when we inscribe to ensure that the conditions of the OUV are met and we are guided by the criteria. If we expand to include ecological systems and value that means we are proposing another criteria for this particular site. So while it is a good terminology added to the statement of the OUV, it cannot override the primary goal, you know, for inscribing this Site, which, was criteria 8 and 7. So, our position is that the that fact there is a mention in the OUV cannot be safely taken now to increase the responsibility of the State party based on a criteria which is not demonstrated, basically, at the Site. So we continue to support what Kenya is proposing, Chair. Thank you.

[Chair] Hmm, so I think Senegal is in line with Kenya and Tanzania, so I now Poland.

[Poland] Thank you Mr Chair. I would like to ask how the State Parties concerned how this 'ecological connectivity' goes against criterion 7 because I don't see that it is contradictory. Criterion 7 talks about the exceptional beauty and outstanding phenomena of nature, so I don't see here any contradiction. So please, I would like to hear about this. Thank you very much.

[Chair] Time is up, so I now give the floor to Senegal

[Senegal] Thank you very much Chairperson for giving me the floor. I believe that the matter here is not to know what goes against criteria 7 and 8, but rather what is relevant within the framework of the listing because paragraph 'e' focuses on the listing and it is stated that 'Including their potential effects', so this has to be taken in light of the OU statement of the property. If this is not something which will block the adoption of the draft decision, I would like to urge delegations to show flexibility and understanding, the Polish and the Swiss delegations in particular, so that we may adopt this draft decision on the basis of proposals already tabled by Kenya. Thank you

[Chair] Given time constraints if Poland or Switzerland cannot propose compromise language, let's leave it... until this afternoon. Poland?

[Poland] Thank you Mr Chair. I have a compromise proposal just to keep ecological connectivity and after coma to put 'If appropriate or relevant' - 'whenever appropriate.'

[Chair] OK, Kenya

[Kenya] Thank you. Mr Chairman. For us we really respect the opinions of Switzerland and Poland. Making a decision - any decision we make here has serious implications. It is not that Zambia or Zimbabwe are opposed to taking care of biodiversity and especially birds, so we respectively want to ask that we stick to the criteria but note that we have that responsibility to take care of our biodiversity, which we do very dutifully. Thank you chair.

[Chair] Poland.

[Poland] Mr President, for the sake of time and in the spirit of compromise, also we are full confident in our argumentation, we are willing to go with this language as amended. Thank you. Which means submitting without this 'ecological connectivity'.

[Chair] Switzerland

[Switzerland] Thank you chairperson. In spirit of consensus we could also agree to that position, thank you.

[Chair] OK, thank you so much. So 'f', 'e', - small 'e' - adopted as amended and 'f' with original languages, whole para 10 adopted.

11 - I see no objection, Para 11 adopted as amended.

Para 12 - OK, is see none, Para 12 adopted as amended.

Para 13 - Czechia

[Czechia] Thank you Mr Chair we would like to ask the Secretariate just technical questions regarding this new para 13 and the specific wording displayed on screen in the Kenya amendment whether the text needs to be more specified according to the operational guidelines. In this case the advisory mission would address the verification of the ground boundary and provide guidance on the outstanding issues is not defined in the amendment. Could we seek  advice as to if the current wording is sufficient or whether it should be adjusted more closely reflect the terminology of the guidelines. Thank you very much.

[Chair] Thank you. IUCN.

[IUCN Representative] Thank you Mr Chair and thank you honourable delegate from Czechia. Indeed as currently drafted is it is somewhat difficult for us to be able to implement this particular decision or recommendation. The WHC and IUCN have spoken with the State Parties we would be please to field either an Advisory Mission or Reactive Monitoring Mission in discussion with the State Parties but as draft somewhat unclear as to how we would move forward. Thank you.

[Chair] So Czechia - understood? alright Para 13 and 14 with original language.

Para 13 adopted as amended together with Para 14, with original language. Para 13 and 14 adopted as amended.

OK I now declare draft decision for 48Com 7B.93 adopted as amended as a whole.

[Applause... Chair moves to close meeting, announcements...]

[Chair] Before closing the meeting I give the floor to WHW for a brief two minute statement. There will be no interpretation.

[World Heritage Watch Representative] Thank you Mr chair. This is a statement by Keep Victoria Falls Wild supported by the World Heritage Watch network.

We are disappointed by the continued lack of progress by both the State Parties and the World Heritage Centre in addressing issues relating to tourism development pressures within and surrounding this Site, and note the proposed amended Decision text again attempts to dilute these concerns.

There has been no progress on mitigation measures relating to the Mosi-oa-Tunya Resort development in Zambia. No progress on undisclosed riverside developments constructed within the Site's 'no new development zone' in Zimbabwe. And no progress on further proposed riverside tourism developments within this zone, agreed by the Zimbabwean Park Authority and yet again undisclosed.

The list of issues and concerns significantly includes ongoing delays to the finalisation and submission of the SEA and new Joint Management Plan, as well as a long overdue clarification of the Site's boundary and management zones.

The State Parties have been repeatedly warned over the cumulative impact of tourism developments within and surrounding the property. Without action, the World Heritage Committee are in danger of assisting and facilitating further illegitimate tourism developments.

A moratorium on all tourism developments within the Site and its surrounding 500m Buffer Zone - pending the finalisation and agreement by the Committee of the new JIMP - is urgently needed in order to prevent further tourism development within the Site.

Thank you Mr Chair

[Chair] OK, thank you, now meeting is adjourned.

See also:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (24th July 2026) Committee Members Propose Further Last Minute Amendments to draft Decision text on Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.

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.

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].