Zambia has successfully submitted the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination dossier to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for inscription on the prestigious World Heritage List.
The final decision on the inscription of the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape is expected to be rendered in 2026 after the evaluation process by ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites).
If successfully inscribed, the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape will become Zambia’s second World Heritage Site, following the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.
Speaking during the ceremony at UNESCO in Paris, France, the Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Zambia today, Chrissy Hilweele, said once inscribed, the World Heritage Status of the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape will attract international tourism and funding, creating opportunities for local communities and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Mr Hiweele said the successful inscription of the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape would contribute to improving Africa’s representation on the World Heritage List, ensuring greater recognition of the continent’s unique cultural landscapes.
He indicated that the nomination of the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape is of strategic importance to Zambia, as it will strengthen the country’s presence on the World Heritage List and showcase the Lozi cultural heritage and ecological significance on the international stage.
He reiterated that the nomination will enhance conservation efforts, ensuring the sustainable protection of Lozi cultural traditions, floodplain management practices, and the region’s unique ecological systems.
Mr Hiweele has since thanked the Barotse Royal Establishment and the Ministry of Tourism, through the National Heritage Conservation Commission, for spearheading the nomination process.
He also extended the government’s gratitude to UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, the African World Heritage Fund, and the World Wide Fund for Nature for their invaluable support.
“Zambia’s submission comes at a key moment, as the country prepares to chair the UNESCO Africa Group 5a and serve as Vice Chair of the Bureau at the upcoming 47th World Heritage Committee session to be held in Sofia, Bulgaria, in July 2025, reinforcing Zambia’s leadership in implementing the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention,” He stated.
The Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape was first placed on Zambia’s Tentative List in 2009, signaling the country’s intention to secure its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The revised nomination dossier addresses previous recommendations from the World Heritage Committee, including community engagement, boundary definition, and sustainable development strategies.
This is contained in a press release issued to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in Paris, France, Naomi Mweemba.
