Story by Yolanda Moyo
COMMUNITIES living around the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site are set to play a central role in heritage conservation and tourism development as Zimbabwe and Zambia implement commitments under the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Declaration.
The initiative seeks to transform heritage conservation into a catalyst for sustainable development by ensuring communities benefit directly through tourism, cultural enterprises and job creation.
At a cross-border workshop in Victoria Falls, stakeholders from Zimbabwe and Zambia explored ways of expanding community participation in cultural tourism, crafts, guiding services and other heritage-based enterprises.
Traditional leaders from both countries said communities that have safeguarded the heritage site for generations should also share in its economic benefits.
Chief Msokotwane said empowering local communities would strengthen conservation while improving livelihoods.
“When local people benefit through cultural tourism, crafts and other enterprises, they become even stronger partners in protecting this important site for future generations,” he said.
“Conservation should not exclude communities but empower them through skills, businesses and tourism opportunities that create income while protecting the natural and cultural heritage. Development must be wise, respectful and sustainable, leaving both the people and the heritage stronger.”
Chief Whange said the long-term success of the World Heritage Site depended on communities recognising the value of conservation.
“Sustainable businesses can create jobs while helping preserve the traditions and environment that make this place unique,” he said.
“The benefits of this World Heritage Site should be felt in the homes, businesses and daily lives of the communities that live nearby. Through tourism, crafts, cultural performances, guiding, hospitality and other local enterprises, our people can participate more meaningfully in the economy created by this heritage site.”
Conservation agencies said community participation is now essential to protecting the site while expanding local economic opportunities.
ZimParks Director of Scientific Services, Professor Never Mboko said conservation and development must go hand in hand.
“By empowering communities to create sustainable enterprises linked to heritage, we are ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach local people while protecting the values that make Victoria Falls a World Heritage Site,” he said.
Regional Director for the Zambia National Heritage Conservation Commission, Mr Muyumbwa Ndiyoyi said communities remain the first custodians of the shared heritage.
“When they have the skills and opportunities to benefit from tourism and conservation, they become essential partners in safeguarding the site. The future of World Heritage conservation depends on communities seeing tangible benefits from protecting these sites,” he said.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by Zimbabwe and Zambia to strengthen cross-border cooperation, promote inclusive tourism and ensure the long-term conservation of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site while improving livelihoods for communities living around the shared natural wonder.
