Zimbabwe, Zambia in Joint Ministerial Committee to Manage Victoria Falls World Heritage Site

Victoria Falls is a global icon revered for its outstanding natural beauty which makes contributions to national income and growth in Zimbabwe and Zambia mainly through tourism and provision of other related goods and services. Without a doubt, this phenomenal feature needs to be conserved and managed in a sustainable manner.

The Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting Between Zambia and Zimbabwe on the Management of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site took place yesterday at Avani Hotel in Livingstone, Zambia.

Zambia and Zimbabwe share the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the fascinating 7 natural wonders of the entire World. The two Ministers responsible for Tourism of the two countries which are Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Zimbabwean Minister Hon Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu and Tourism Zambian Minister Hon Rodney Sikumba met to deliberate developments and to discuss issues that surround the heritage site.

Zimbabwe is remaining committed to the maintenance of the integrity of the World Heritage Site and will work together with the Republic of Zambia, UNESCO, and other state parties to ensure the property remains a sought-after natural wonder of the world.

For the past three days, technical officials were meeting to deliberate on the welfare of the property and there have been various developments going on in the property that is critical to the preservation of the Outstanding Universal Values that has seen maintaining the integrity of the natural heritage.

The two Ministers issued a joint communique where they expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the States Parties in the joint management of the property and affirmed their commitment to upholding the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention and Operational Guidelines.

Also in attendance were the Zambian Permanent Secretary for Tourism, Mr. Evans Muhanga, Chief Executive for Zambia Tourism Agency, Mr. Matongo Matamwandi, the Director General for Parks and Wildlife Zambia, Mr. Andrew Chomba, Chief Director Tourism and Hospitality Management Zimbabwe Ms. Tarirai Musonza, Chief Executive for Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Ms. Winnie Muchanyuka, Deputy Director Natural Resources, Mr. Tanyaradzwa Mundoga, Zimparks officials, ZTA Officials and other key stakeholders.