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

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

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).