UNESCO World Heritage Committee adopts amended decision on Victoria Falls

The 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has unanimously adopted the amended decision on the State of Conservation of the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.

The adoption, made in Busan, Republic of Korea, reaffirms the international community’s confidence in the joint conservation efforts being undertaken by Zambia and Zimbabwe to safeguard the iconic transboundary site.

This is according to a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday by National Heritage Conservation Commission Public Relations Officer, Ndubi Mvula.

The decision followed extensive deliberations during the week-long meeting, where the two neighbouring countries presented updates and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of Victoria Falls.

In adopting the amended decision, the Committee recognised the continued commitment of Zambia and Zimbabwe to strike a balance between socio-economic development and heritage conservation.

“The two countries reiterated that regional economic initiatives, including hydroelectric development proposals and tourism infrastructure projects, will continue to be pursued with strict adherence to the World Heritage Convention, environmental safeguards and internationally accepted conservation standards to ensure the site’s Outstanding Universal Value remains intact,” reads the statement.

The successful outcome was based on the submission by Zambia and Zimbabwe of the State of Conservation Report together with the Draft Joint Integrated Management Plan (2025–2030).

The documents provided comprehensive updates on collaborative management and opened discussions on transboundary conservation, commercial development pressures, and long-term protection.

The adoption of the decision follows extensive deliberations by the World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, where the two neighbouring countries successfully reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the iconic transboundary World Heritage Site.

The decision was announced by the Chairperson of the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Lee Byong-Hyun of the Republic of Korea, ending nearly a week of anxious anticipation by delegates from both countries.

“The announcement was met with jubilation from the Zambian and Zimbabwean delegations, who celebrated after successfully requesting the opening of the debate,” according to the statement.

Zambia also appreciated the kind hospitality of the Republic of Korea for hosting the prestigious 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan.

The two countries also expressed profound appreciation to States Parties of the World Heritage Committee for their unwavering support during the deliberations, with special recognition extended to Senegal for championing the concerns of Zambia and Zimbabwe and supporting the adoption of the amended decision.

Both countries paid tribute to the technical guidance provided by UNESCO’s Advisory Bodies.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) were acknowledged for strengthening conservation and management.

The Zambian delegation was headed by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Evans Muhanga, while the Zimbabwean delegation was led by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mr. Simon Masanga.

“The adoption marks another significant milestone in the long-standing cooperation between Zambia and Zimbabwe,” reads the statement.

It reinforces their shared commitment to preserving the natural, scenic and ecological values of Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls for present and future generations while promoting sustainable tourism and responsible development.

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