Where There's Smoke... UNESCO and Conservationists divided over Victoria Falls World Heritage Site

UNESCO and Conservationists divided over tourism development impacts at Victoria Falls World Heritage Site

15th May 2026

Despite positive media headlines and tourism industry promotional gloss all is not well at the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls UNESCO World Heritage Site, jointly managed by Zambia and Zimbabwe and a global tourism drawcard.

Last week UNESCO General Conference President, Mr Khondker Talha, visited the Falls, with media reports quoting a glowing endorsement of the Site's management. Meanwhile a new report from conservationist campaign group Keep Victoria Falls Wild highlights increasing concerns, calling for the removal of recent illegitimate tourism developments within 'no development' zones and a moratorium on all new development until a new Joint Management Plan for the Site is finalised and agreed by all parties, including UNESCO.

On the 3rd May, World Press Freedom Day, Mr Talha was in Lusaka, launching a UNESCO joint statement on press freedom calling on Member States to protect journalists and ensure an enabling environment for a free and independent media.

The next day, Mr Talha visited the Victoria Falls, touring both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site and commending both countries 'for their strong collaboration in preserving the Site's Outstanding Universal Value,' and apparently describing their joint management of the Site as a model of effective joint stewardship. Less significance was given, however, to his call for strengthened efforts between the two countries in safeguarding the heritage site, an admission perhaps that all is not well (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 5th May 2026).

Although publicly unannounced, the visit was apparently in an official capacity, with a media release from the National Her­it­age Con­ser­va­tion Com­mis­sion stating the visit was under­taken 'to appre­ci­ate and assess the con­tin­ued efforts by the gov­ern­ments of Zam­bia and Zim­b­abwe in safe­guard­ing the Site’s Out­stand­ing Uni­ver­sal Value, in line with the oper­a­tional guidelines of the UNESCO World Her­it­age Con­ven­tion' (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 4th May 2026).

There was no selfie at the Falls posted on the President's official 'X' account, no official statement from UNESCO and no coverage of his visit in the Zimbabwean media the next day (coincidentally African World Heritage Day). Supported by a media release from the National Her­it­age Con­ser­va­tion Com­mis­sion, the Zambian national press, however, promoted the visit as an endorsement of their management of the World Heritage Site.

"National Her­it­age Con­ser­va­tion Com­mis­sion con­ser­va­tion officer John Zulu noted that such vis­its reaf­firm the strength of bilat­eral cooper­a­tion and provide an import­ant plat­form to show­case the ongo­ing efforts towards sus­tain­able con­ser­va­tion and her­it­age man­age­ment. He emphas­ised the sig­ni­fic­ance of the visit, stat­ing that such high­-level engage­ments val­id­ate ongo­ing con­ser­va­tion ini­ti­at­ives while enhan­cing inter­na­tional recog­ni­tion and sup­port for her­it­age pre­ser­va­tion efforts in the region. 'The visit fur­ther high­lights the global import­ance of the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Vic­toria Falls as a shared nat­ural asset requir­ing con­tin­ued joint stew­ard­ship,' he said.” (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 5th May 2026)

Mr Talha at the Zambian side of the Falls (Source: NHCC Facebook page)

Conservation Concerns

But behind the media statements and tourism gloss, all is not well at the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, and not only are the joint State Parties of Zambia and Zimbabwe both in the spotlight, but also UNESCO's oversight - or lack of - of the Site is being increasingly questioned by conservationists.

In the week prior his visit, local conservation campaign group, Keep Victoria Falls Wild, released yet another report highlighting an increasing list of issues and concerns relating to the management of the Site and calling for a moratorium on all new developments within the Site and its surrounding Buffer Zone pending finalisation, and approval by UNESCO, of a new Joint Management Plan for the Site and repeating calls for the removal of recent controversial tourism developments within the Site's protected area (Keep Victoria Falls Wild, April 2026).

The report follows recent submission of a new Draft Joint Plan for the management of the Site, submitted by the State Parties of Zambia and Zimbabwe who share the management of the transboundary World Heritage Site. The Plan is heavily criticised for its delayed submission, contradictions, errors and missing details on key areas such as the management zonation for the Site and details of permitted/prohibited developments. The lack of detail on the zones comes after specific requests from the World Heritage Committee for the boundaries, zonation and buffer zone to be reviewed and clarified in the new document.

Conservationists also raise significant concerns over recent tourism developments on the southern, Zimbabwean, side of the Falls and within the World Heritage Site 'no new development zone' (HESZ) and in particular the lack of disclosure of these developments, as required under the Convention, to UNESCO. This continued lack of disclosure follows repeated requests from the World Heritage Committee for specific information relating to recent developments within the Site.

The report also identifies a growing list of wider issues and concerns in relation to the management of the Site before calling on the World Heritage Committee to reject the Draft Joint Management Plan submitted by the State Parties and request a final complete and consistent document as soon as possible, significantly calling for a moratorium on all tourism developments within the World Heritage Site and surrounding 500m Buffer Zone pending final submission, and approval by the Committee, of the revised Joint Plan and satisfactory resolution of a series of controversial tourism developments within and surrounding the Site.

In addition the report repeats calls for the cancellation of permits for recent illegitimate tourism developments issued by the Zimbabwe National Park Authority within the WHS HESZ and for all trace of these developments to be removed from the Site.

The report comes in the build up to the forthcoming 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, to be held in Busan, Republic of Korea over 19-29 July 2026, with conservationists urging the World Heritage Committee to consider the Site for immediate addition to the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger if the State Parties fail to adequately address these issues.

Within the context of these issues and concerns, Mr Tahla's supposed words of endorsement appear to be either a diplomatic smokescreen or a reflection of institutional, and intentional, blindness. Time will tell - although there have already been several Committee sessions in recent years and no action taken on illegitimate tourism developments within the Site.

UNESCO and the Curse of Overtourism

It appears that UNESCO has long had a blind spot for the impacts of tourism development, and overtourism, to World Heritage Sites, with a growing list of examples of overtourism following UNESCO listing, leading to questions over the benefits, or disadvantages, of the listing.

"A listing carries a great deal of prestige, and benefits include 'increased tourist visitation, increases in employment opportunities and income for local communities, and better management and protection of the place,' according to the government of Australia, which has 20 World Heritage Sites." (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 28th July 2021)

In 2021 Victoria Falls was identified in National Geographic as a positive example of UNESCO World Heritage Listing with the 'cancellation' of a dam proposal above the Falls (despite the fact that the dam is proposed downstream of the Victoria Falls and is in fact back on the cards). 

"The World Heritage program has scored high-profile preservation successes. It exerted pressure to halt a highway near Egypt’s Giza Pyramids, block a salt mine at a gray whale nursery in Mexico, and cancel a dam proposal above Africa’s Victoria Falls. Its funds, provided by dues from the treaty's signers, have hired park rangers, bought parkland, built visitor centers, and restored temples. It relies on persuasive powers more than legal threats, but over a period of nearly five decades, the World Heritage initiative has quietly become a force for appreciating and safeguarding the world’s special places." (National Geographic, 5th August 2021)

The drawback of over-tourism has also been well documented. In addition to the well-known examples of Venice in Italy and Machu Picchu in Peru, can be added George Town on Penang island, Laos’ Luang Prabang, Casco Viejo neighbourhood in Panama City, Nærfjord, Norway, Lamu Old Town, Stone Town of Zanzibar and many more. The increasing examples of World Heritage Sites impacted by overtourism have led to the development of a new word to describe the effect - 'unescocide' - coined by Italian writer Marco d'Eramo in 2014.

"The effects of Unesco's designations are a debated topic. A site being added to the list can be a 'kiss of death' and 'all too often cures the disease by killing the patient,' Italian journalist Marco D'Eramo wrote in 2014, coining the term 'Unescocide'. Essentially, in designating a World Heritage site worthy of protection, the destination becomes a place of unsustainable levels of tourism. This was not accounted for in the original treaty, as Unesco 'didn't have the scope of international tourism then,' Mike Robinson, a professor of cultural heritage at Nottingham Trent University, told The New York Times.

"It's also difficult for people who 'work in cultural heritage and in tourism to find that right balance between protecting objects but not destroying the experience,' Leila Amineddoleh, a lawyer specializing in cultural heritage... There's also an incentive for developing nations to get destinations added to the World Heritage list to boost tourism. 'The power of the Unesco brand can skyrocket a lesser-known destination to a different level,' wrote CNN. Despite the threat of overtourism, a Unesco World Heritage designation can 'bring much-needed money, support and global recognition to a deserving destination.'" (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 6th August 2023)

 A former World Heritage Director at UNESCO even described it as an 'inevitable destiny'.

"'It is an inevitable destiny: the very reasons why a property is chosen for inscription on the world heritage list are also the reasons why millions of tourists flock to those sites year after year,' wrote Francesco Bandarin, the former World Heritage Director at Unesco." (The Guardian, 30th August 2017)

References

Keep Victoria Falls Wild, April 2026. Serious Concerns Over Management of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. 31st April 2026. (pdf download, 1.3 mb)

National Geographic (5th August 2021) Here’s how World Heritage status helps destinations around the world. National Geographic. 

The Guardian (30th August 2017) 'Unesco-cide': does world heritage status do cities more harm than good?.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (6th August 2023) The significance and benefits of being on Unesco's World Heritage list.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th July 2021) Are World Heritage Site listings a blessing or a curse?

Read more on the wave of tourism developments currently threatening the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

New luxury boutique retreat to open in Vic Falls

A NEW luxury boutique retreat featuring private villas is set to open in Victoria Falls on September 1, as tourism operator Africa Albida Tourism expands its high-end offerings in the resort town.

The development, to be known as Albida – Victoria Falls, will form part of the Victoria Falls Safari Collection and is expected to strengthen the destination’s appeal to premium international travellers.

The all-inclusive retreat will comprise 13 villas, including two double-bedroom units, each designed to offer privacy, space and an exclusive guest experience.

According to the operator, the project responds to growing demand for intimate, high-end accommodation in Victoria Falls, one of the region’s leading tourism hubs.

“This new retreat is a carefully planned addition to our portfolio,” said Ross Kennedy.

“It responds to the demand for private accommodation in Victoria Falls and speaks to the modern high-end traveller that prioritises space and a genuine sense of place.”

Each villa will feature spacious living areas and a private plunge pool, with packages including guided access to the Victoria Falls and curated experiences within the destination.

Managing Director Nigel Frost said the development would enhance the group’s premium portfolio while supporting the growth of Victoria Falls as a top-tier tourism destination.

“Albida – Victoria Falls strengthens our premium offering and supports the growth of Victoria Falls as a premium destination for discerning travellers, while upholding the high standards that define the Victoria Falls Safari Collection,” he said.

The retreat, inspired by the Albida tree known for enriching its surrounding environment, is designed to offer a tranquil setting that promotes relaxation and connection with nature.

Located about four kilometres from the Falls, the Victoria Falls Safari Collection comprises a range of hospitality facilities, including lodges, suites, restaurants, wellness and conferencing venues.

Experts say the new development is expected to further consolidate Victoria Falls’ position as one of Southern Africa’s leading destinations, while raising the bar for luxury accommodation in Zimbabwe.

Source: New luxury boutique retreat to open in Vic Falls (13/05/2026)

Jeal­ously guard envir­on­ment to sus­tain tour­ism says EMA

(Zimbabwe) The Envir­on­mental Man­age­ment Agency (EMA) has called on Zim­b­ab­weans to jeal­ously guard the coun­try’s nat­ural resources, warn­ing that a thriv­ing tour­ism industry can­not sur­vive without a healthy envir­on­ment.

Speak­ing on the side­lines of the recent United Nations Tour­ism con­gress in Vic­toria Falls, EMA Matabele­land North Pro­vin­cial man­ager Mrs Chipo Mpo­fuZuze said tour­ism in Zim­b­abwe is wholly depend­ent on the use of nat­ural assets such as water, veget­a­tion and biod­iversity.

“We can­not have a boom­ing tour­ism industry when we do not have the nat­ural resources. So what I’m see­ing or what I have learnt is that we are going to be called upon to jeal­ously guard our envir­on­ment so that we are able to sus­tain our tour­ism,” said Mrs Mpofu-Zuze.

The UN Tour­ism Con­gress, which brought together global play­ers, also high­lighted the role of women in tour­ism.

Mrs Mpofu-Zuze noted that envir­on­mental degrad­a­tion hits women hard­est because their daily duties, fetch­ing water, col­lect­ing fire­wood and basic agri­cul­ture all depend on a healthy envir­on­ment.

“If the envir­on­ment is degraded, it means our roles as women are com­prom­ised,” she said.

Mrs Mpofu-Zuze said the con­fer­ence had rein­forced a crit­ical les­son as pro­tect­ing the envir­on­ment now car­ries a tan­gible dol­lar value through tour­ism, which will make EMA’s work easier when per­suad­ing com­munit­ies to become stew­ards of nature.

“People have always asked, ‘why should I pro­tect the envir­on­ment?’ Yes, it gives me basic needs, but this con­fer­ence has brought to light that tour­ism is going to bring the dol­lar value to the need of pro­tect­ing the envir­on­ment,” she said.

“So whenever we are going out there, we are going to encour­age people to pro­tect the envir­on­ment and also to ven­ture into tour­ism as women, as girls, as every­one who has to do with pro­tect­ing the envir­on­ment.”

Mrs Mpofu-Zuze said EMA would now broaden its approach, put­ting value on pro­tec­tion against pol­lu­tion, land degrad­a­tion and invas­ive alien spe­cies.

“If we des­troy or if we allow our envir­on­ment to degrade, allow invas­ive spe­cies to grow, it means we are cut on the ‘busy city’ com­ing to an area full of lantana camara,” she warned.

“So it means people will be forced to remove spe­cies to improve spe­cificity. People will be encour­aged to pro­tect their wet­lands so that they can also attract more biod­iversity, and this will also help them attract tour­ists to our areas.”

Mrs Mpofu-Zuze stressed that the mes­sage goes bey­ond Vic­toria Falls or major towns.

“The other thing that also encour­aged me is we are not only talk­ing tour­ism in Vic­toria Falls, a town or another city, but we are talk­ing about tour­ism. So it means our nat­ural resources in the rural areas are going to have a basis to be pro­tec­ted even more, to be guarded gen­er­ously even more,” she said.

Turn­ing to gender, Mrs Mpo­fuZuze said empower­ing women in envir­on­mental pro­tec­tion and tour­ism had a mul­ti­plier effect.

“If you capa­cit­ate or empower a woman, you have empowered the com­munity, you have empowered the nation, you have empowered the whole world,” she said.

The agency has pledged to broaden its stake­holder par­ti­cip­a­tion and put meas­ur­able eco­nomic value on con­ser­va­tion, turn­ing envir­on­ment­al­ism from a duty into an oppor­tun­ity.

Source: Jeal­ouslyguard envir­on­ment to sus­tain tour­ism EMA (10/05/2026)

Victoria Falls river levels continue to drop

The Zambezi River Authority latest figures for Zambezi River levels (up to 11th May), recorded at Nana's Farm Hyrdrological Station (located on the north bank about 20 km above the Falls) show that river levels continue to drop, ending the period at 3,526 m3/s (against 2,773 m3/s at same date last year), with no sign of a second peak.

[click to open higher res version in new window]

See also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (24/04/2026) Zambezi River levels at Victoria Falls experience early peak.

Read more on the hydrology of the Upper Zambezi and Victoria Falls on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

US$5 million project ends Victoria Falls water woes

 Government yesterday commissioned a US$5 million water reservoir project and two refuse collection trucks in Victoria Falls, ending years of water shortages that have plagued the resort city’s Mkhosana suburb.

The project, delivered by the City of Victoria Falls using internal resources, comprises a 5-megalitres ground reservoir and a 750-kilolitre elevated tank, alongside 12 kilometres of new pipelines, upgraded pump stations at Aerodrome, and new fire hydrants.

Officiating at the commissioning event, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, said the upgraded infrastructure would guarantee reliable water access for 25 000 residents.

“These reservoirs will ensure improved reliability and sustainable access to safe water for an estimated population of about 25 000 residents who, for long, had endured persistent water shortages due to inadequate storage capacity and rapid population growth,” said the minister.

The reservoirs form the first phase of the city’s broader US$18 million multi-phase Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme.

The shift to a gravity-fed system means consistent water pressure across Mkhosana, ending the distress of direct pumping systems that failed during power outages. Residents who spoke to Zimpapers confirmed the transformation.

“For years, we woke up before dawn to fetch water. Now the taps run day and night. It feels like we are finally living in a real city,” said Mrs Nomsa Ndlovu from Mkhosana.
Another resident, Mr Tendai Sibanda, said the project had brought dignity back to the community.

“We used to go for days without water. You could not plan your day. Now we have an adequate supply, and we are grateful to the council and Government for listening to our cries,” he said.

Minister Garwe said the investment aligns with the National Development Strategy (NDS2) and President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of an empowered upper-middle-income economy.

“It’s our desire that all local authorities across the country emulate such efforts. I want to assert that Victoria Falls yakhiwa ngabahlali bayo,” he said.

Alongside the water infrastructure, the city commissioned two refuse trucks, a 15-cubic-metre unit procured by council and an 18-cubic-metre unit donated by African Sun Limited as part of its corporate social responsibility.

“This gesture is a shining example of the sound partnerships that can be forged between local authorities and the private sector for the benefit of our communities,” Minister Garwe said.

Victoria Falls Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube said the project had catapulted the city above national minimum service delivery standards.

“We have achieved 100 percent water coverage, which is above the 2026 target of 90 percent. For too long, the residents of our beloved city, particularly here in Mkhosana, have endured the heavy burden of water scarcity. Today, we turn that page,” said Mr Dube.

He said the city had also partnered with Eagle Heights, whose purchase of a stand directly funded the reservoirs.

The reservoirs now serve 3,696 households in Mkhosana, with capacity to support future growth as the tourism hub continues to expand.

Council has indicated it requires timely devolution fund support to sustain momentum on remaining projects, including road tarring, storm drains, and construction of Mosi 2 High School.

Source: US$5 million project ends Victoria Falls water woes (07/05/2026)

Conservationists Call Time On Illegitimate Tourism Developments At Victoria Falls

Conservation Campaign Group Call for Moratorium on Tourism Developments within Victoria Falls World Heritage Site and Removal of Recent Illegitimate Tourism Developments within the Site's 'No New Development Zone'

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (31st April 2026)

A new report by conservation campaign group Keep Victoria Falls Wild highlights increasing concerns over the management of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site and threat from tourism development, calling for a moratorium on all new developments within the Site and its surrounding Buffer Zone pending finalisation, and approval by UNESCO, of a new Joint Management Plan for the Site and repeats calls for the removal of recent controversial tourism developments within the Site's protected area.

The controversial Baines Restaurant, located within the Victoria Falls National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site 'no new development' zone

The report comes in the build up to the forthcoming 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, to be held in Busan, Republic of Korea over 19-29 July 2026 and recent submission of a new Draft Joint Plan for the management of the Site, submitted by the State Parties of Zambia and Zimbabwe who share the management of the transboundary World Heritage Site.

The report highlights significant concerns over recent tourism developments on the southern, Zimbabwean, side of the Falls and within the World Heritage Site 'no new development zone' (HESZ) and in particular the lack of disclosure of these developments, and of recent tourism visitor figures, to UNESCO within recent State of Conservation Reports. This continued lack of disclosure follows specific and repeated requests from the World Heritage Committee for information relating to recent developments within the World Heritage Site.

The new Draft Joint Management Plan for the Site is also heavily criticised by conservationists for its delayed submission, contradictions, errors and missing details on key areas such as the management zonation for the Site and details of permitted/prohibited developments. The lack of detail on the zones comes after specific requests from the World Heritage Committee for the boundaries, zonation and buffer zone to be reviewed and clarified in the new document.

The report also identifies a growing list of wider issues and concerns in relation to the management of the Site before calling on the World Heritage Committee to reject the Draft Joint Management Plan submitted by the State Parties and request a final complete and consistent document as soon as possible, significantly calling for a moratorium on all tourism developments within the World Heritage Site and surrounding 500m Buffer Zone pending final submission, and approval by the Committee, of the revised Joint Plan and satisfactory resolution of a series of controversial tourism developments within and surrounding the Site.

In addition the report repeats calls for the cancellation of permits for recent illegitimate tourism developments issued by the Zimbabwe National Park Authority within the WHS HESZ and for all trace of these developments to be removed from the Site. This specifically relates to the recently constructed Baines Restaurant and ‘Rock Pool’ developments, as well as the proposed riverside ‘tree lodges’ development, reportedly to be managed under the InterContinental Hotel Group's exclusive Six Senses brand.

Finally the report recommends to the World Heritage Committee that the Site should be considered for immediate addition to the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger if the State Parties fail to adequately address these issues.

Download the full report: Keep Victoria Falls Wild (April 2026) Serious Concerns Over Management of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (pdf, 1.3mb).

UNESCO hails Zambia, Zim joint efforts to safeguard Victoria Falls

 The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has hailed the Zambian Government for preserving and safeguarding the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (VFWHS).

UNESCO General Conference President Khondker Talha, said Zambia had earned global recognition for its efforts and commitment to safeguarding one of the world's most treasured heritage sites.

Speaking after touring the site in Livingstone yesterday [3rd May], Mr Talha praised the National Heritage Conservation for effectively managing the facility. 

He also commended Zambia and Zimbabwe for their strong collaboration in preserving the site's outstanding universal value, describing it as a model of effective joint stewardship.

'I am particularly impressed by the collaboration between Zambia and Zimbabwe in preserving the outstanding universal value of the property,' he said.

The conference president who toured key sections of the falls, including the Eastern Cataracts on the Zambian side, called for strengthened efforts between the two countries in safeguarding the heritage site.

He said his visit to both Zambia and Zimbabwe further underscored the shared responsibility between the two neighbouring countries in managing the globally celebrated natural wonder, which was inscribed under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

NHCC conservation officer John Zulu said the visit reaffirmed the strength of bilateral cooperation and provided an important platform to showcase ongoing conservation efforts.

Mr Zulu said such high-level engagements not only validated Zambia's conservation initiatives, but also enhanced international recognition and support for heritage preservation.

He said the continued protection of the falls remains critical, given its global significance as a shared natural asset.

'The visit highlights Zambia's growing reputation as a responsible custodian of natural heritage and reinforces its position on the global stage as a leader in sustainable tourism and conservation.' he said.

He said the commission was looking forward to more collaboration between the two neighbouring countries.

Source: UNESCO hails Zambia, Zim joint efforts to safeguard Victoria Falls (The Times of Zambia, 4th May 2026)

See also:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (5th May 2026) UNESCO com­mends Zam­bia, Zim­b­abwe ties.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (4th May 2026) UNESCO General Conference President CommendsZambia-Zimbabwe Cooperation At Mosi-Oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls.