Monday 29th July, 2024 (New Delhi)
The 46th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in New Delhi, India, has adopted a draft decision regarding the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, with amendments proposed by Zambia.
The revised draft decision aligns with previous Committee Decisions, particularly concerning the Joint Integrated Management Plan (JIMP) as a blueprint for infrastructure development within and around the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site and establishing its precise boundaries, zonation, and buffer zone in view of concluding the retrospective inventory for the property that started a decade ago.
The Committee urges Zambia and Zimbabwe to finalise and harmonise the JIMP with national and transboundary plans, incorporating limits on use, permissible activities, and infrastructure, as well as safeguards to mitigate development pressures. By addressing these pressures and implementing strategic planning, the Committee aims to protect the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and preserve it for future generations.
The draft decision was adopted without objection, with Kenya presenting the amendments on behalf of Zambia and the Republic of Korea and Rwanda offering support. Prior to the adoption of the amendments, there was consensus on the proposed amendments between the States Parties – Zambia and Zimbabwe – and the World Heritage Centre and, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), an advisory body mandated by the World Heritage Convention to evaluate natural and mixed properties nominated.
The State Party of Zambia is required to include in all management plans and State of Conservation reports for the site, evidence that the Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort Hotel is implementing mitigatory measures in accordance with legal conditions of approval set by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and the revised JIMP for the protection of the OUV of the heritage site.
Meanwhile, Zambia has allocated $100,000 to support Capacity Building Programmes for sustainable development projects within and around the World Heritage site.
This demonstrates the country’s commitment to implementing safeguards recommended in 2023 by the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh prior to the implementation of the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme.
The safeguards will ensure that the proposed hydro power project does not compromise the integrity and OUV of the property.
This is contained in a statement issued by first Secretary for press at the Embassy of Zambia in France Paris Naomi Mweemba.
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