Commission seeks Japan’s backing for Barotse Landscape, Kalambo Falls world heritage bids

The National Heritage Conservation Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Government of Japan, with a strong appeal for support towards Zambia’s World Heritage aspirations.

This came to light during a high-level meeting held at the InterContinental Hotel Lusaka between NHCC Executive Director Kagosi Mwamulowe and Takehiro Kano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, based in Paris.

Speaking during the meeting on Thursday, Mwamulowe emphasised the importance of Zambia’s longstanding cordial relations with Japan and called for enhanced collaboration, particularly in heritage conservation capacity building.

He underscored NHCC’s readiness to engage in exchange programmes aimed at strengthening the technical expertise of conservation officers in managing Zambia’s rich and diverse heritage.

Central to the discussions was Zambia’s bid to increase its representation on the World Heritage List, Mwamulowe made a strong appeal to the Government of Japan to support the inscription of the Barotse Cultural Landscape World Heritage site.

“We have already submitted the nomination dossier for the Barotse Cultural Landscape to UNESCO for inscription. For the Kalambo Falls we are therefore seeking Japan’s technical or financial support to conclude the process, as Zambia works to elevate this exceptional heritage site to global recognition as it defies man’s evolution,” he said.

Mwamulowe stated that the Kalambo Falls had already undergone preliminary assessment to establish its potential outstanding universal value, with findings indicating the site is strong in cultural heritage.

He said Zambia highly recognized Japan’s crucial role in supporting African heritage initiatives during the extended 45th World Heritage Session in Riyadh in September 2023, specifically regarding the adoption of the World Heritage Strategy for Africa.

Mwamulowe further highlighted that the successful inscription of these sites would see them join the globally acclaimed Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls, Zambia’s only current World Heritage Site, thereby enhancing the country’s cultural and natural heritage profile on the international stage.

He also noted Zambia’s broader vision to promote additional heritage assets, including Liberation Heritage Sites, which stand as powerful symbols of the country’s contribution to global peace and the African liberation struggle.

In response, Kano expressed enthusiasm about strengthening cooperation between Japan and Zambia in the field of heritage conservation.

He acknowledged the potential for mutual learning between Japanese and Zambian experts and reaffirmed Japan’s interest in supporting initiatives that promote preservation and sustainable management of heritage resources.

The meeting marks a significant step in Zambia’s ongoing efforts to secure international partnerships that will bolster heritage conservation and support its strategic objective of increasing the number of World Heritage Sites in the country.

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