Rutendo Nyeve Victoria Falls Bureau
THE growing need to balance tourism infrastructure development with environmental protection at Victoria Falls has brought renewed focus on the shared responsibility of Zimbabwe and Zambia to safeguard the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
While both countries continue to pursue tourism-led development around the iconic natural wonder, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that development does not compromise the site’s outstanding universal value.
The assurance comes amid international recognition of the two countries’ conservation efforts.
UNESCO General Conference president, Mr Khondker Talha, who recently visited the two countries, commended Zimbabwe and Zambia for working together to preserve the site’s outstanding universal value.
He described the cooperation between the neighbouring countries as an example of effective joint stewardship of a shared natural heritage resource.
“I am particularly impressed by the collaboration between Zambia and Zimbabwe in preserving the outstanding universal value of the property,” said Mr Talha.
During his visit, Mr Talha toured key sections of the falls, including the Eastern Cataracts on the Zambian side, and called for strengthened cooperation in protecting the site.
His remarks highlight the importance of coordinated conservation efforts, given that Victoria Falls straddles the two countries and requires a common approach to managing tourism activities, environmental pressures and developments around the heritage area.
Speaking recently, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said the Government was conscious of the need to strike a balance between development and conservation, given the global significance of Victoria Falls.
She acknowledged that developments around the heritage site had attracted mixed reactions but maintained that Zimbabwe continued to observe conservation requirements.
“On the development at Victoria Falls, we have noted very mixed feelings about that, to be honest. We are one of the countries that have kept a heritage site conserved more than many, but in particular about waterfalls heritage sites in the world. Some nations do not follow the heritage site regulations,” said Minister Rwodzi.
“But at Victoria Falls UNESCO World Heritage Site, we are one of the countries that is counted to be keeping our heritage site well.”
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders”, Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most celebrated natural attractions and a major tourism asset for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List recognises its outstanding universal value, making its protection a shared international responsibility.
As tourism infrastructure and investment opportunities continue to expand in the Victoria Falls region, maintaining the site’s ecological integrity and natural character remains central to its long-term sustainability.
The renewed assurances from Government, coupled with UNESCO’s recognition of bilateral cooperation, place conservation at the centre of discussions on the future development of one of Africa’s most important tourism destinations.
