UNESCO Endorses Joint Zambia-Zimbabwe Plan to Conserve Victoria Falls

By Esnart Muchaila

Zambia and Zimbabwe have received unanimous backing from UNESCO for their joint efforts to conserve the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.

The decision was adopted on Monday, July 27, 2026 during the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, and was announced by Committee Chairperson Mr. LEE BYONG-HYUN.

The Committee commended both countries for striking a balance between heritage conservation and socio-economic development. It noted progress on tourism and hydroelectric projects, while ensuring environmental safeguards remain in place at the shared site.

The endorsement follows the submission of a joint State of Conservation Report and the Draft Integrated Management Plan 2025–2030 by the two governments.

Zambian and Zimbabwean delegates welcomed the decision and thanked UNESCO’s Advisory Bodies — IUCN, ICOMOS, and ICCROM — for technical guidance, as well as the Republic of Korea for hosting the sessions.90;