Process to declare Zambia’s Barotse Plains a World Heritage Site halted Posted on 3 December 2021 Plans to have Zambia’s Barotse Plains listed as a World Heritage site under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have been halted by Zambian authorities. The campaign named ‘From Barotse to the World’ was designed by the Zambian government to bring attention to the unique landscape and culture of the Barotse Plains. The Zambezi Barotse floodplain. Picture: Getaway Gallery The derailing of the ‘From Barotse to the World’ campaign is due to growing concerns from Zambians. The natives have expressed their worries that once declared a World Heritage Site, the Barotse Plains will be sold. The plans have now been put on pause to allow stakeholders to have further discussions and consultations regarding the course of the campaign. According to IOL, the Zambian Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, stated that the Zambian ‘government will not proceed to submit the nomination of the Barotse Plains as a UNESCO Heritage Site next year until all concerns are addressed’. The Zambian government is instead utilising this opportunity to allow all involved to engage with one another and to openly express their concerns regarding the ‘From Barotse to the World’ campaign. Conversations between stakeholders, local traditional leadership, and the National Heritage Conservation Commission hopes to reach a reasonable and mutually beneficial settlement. The Zambian government has emphasised the significance of declaring the Barotse Plains a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it would increase tourism in the country. Sikumba insisted that the ‘From Barotse to the World’ campaign does include selling the Zambian land or negatively impacting the local population. ALSO READ These Unesco World Heritage Sites in Africa are listed as ‘In Danger’ Related Posts 7 countries that celebrate Easter differently to South Africa 2 April 2023 Here's how some nations are observing the Easter holiday in colourful, epic and sometimes head-scratchingly... read more The highs and lows of drug tourism 10 February 2023 There has been a psychedelic renaissance for some time and unless you've been living under... read more Drakensberg wanderings 27 October 2022 There are few things that feed the soul quite like time in the Drakensberg Mountains.... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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