Zambia and Zimbabwe Champion Sustainable Development for African World Heritage Sites

 In a landmark effort to promote the integration of conservation and sustainable development, the States Parties of Zambia and Zimbabwe have volunteered to champion the Sustainable Development Programme for African World Heritage Properties. The declaration was made during the Expert Meeting on World Heritage and Sustainable Development in Africa, held at Protea Hotel in Livingstone, Zambia.

The high-level conference brought together key stakeholders, traditional leaders, government representatives, and heritage experts to explore opportunities and address challenges facing the implementation of sustainable development policies across Africa’s World Heritage Sites.

Dignitaries in attendance included Chief Shana, Representative of Chief Mvuthu, Chief Hwange, Chief Simatachela, and the host Royal Chief Mukuni, whose cultural leadership and custodianship of heritage landscapes were acknowledged as vital to sustainable heritage governance.

In their joint commitment, Zambia and Zimbabwe reaffirmed the urgent need to align heritage conservation with the broader development aspirations of African communities, particularly those living in and around World Heritage properties. They emphasized the importance of inclusive development models that respect cultural values, promote environmental stewardship, and foster community empowerment.

“Our heritage must serve our people—not only as a legacy of the past but as a foundation for future prosperity,” stated one delegate, highlighting the spirit of cooperation that defined the gathering.

The expert meeting focuses on strengthening cross-border cooperation, promoting community-based tourism, and enhancing the capacity of local stakeholders to participate in decision-making processes related to heritage site management.

With Zambia and Zimbabwe taking the lead, the meeting delves with a strong call for African states to embed sustainable development in their heritage policies, ensuring that cultural and natural heritage contributes meaningfully to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The outcomes of this meeting are expected to guide future regional strategies, positioning African World Heritage properties as drivers of sustainable development, cultural identity, and economic resilience.

By Witness A Phiri