The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site
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THE VICTORIA FALLS WORLD HERITAGE SITE
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN (ZIMBABWE) 2007 – 2012 ABBREVIATIONS
AWF African Wildlife Foundation CAAZ Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe CAMPFIRE Communal Area Management For Indigenous Resources EA Environment Africa EIA Environment Impact Assessment EMA Environmental Management Agency HAZ Hotel Association of Zimbabwe HRDC Hwange Rural District Council IUCN World Conservation Union NGO Non Government Organisation NMMZ National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe PWMA Parks and Wildlife Management Authority UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation VFAPU Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit VFWHS Victoria Falls World Heritage Site WHC World Heritage Centre WHS World Heritage Site ZIMRA Zimbabwe Revenue Authority ZPWMA Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority ZRP Zimbabwe Republic Police
2 Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION...... 7 2. BACKGROUND TO THE PLAN...... 7 3. OBJECTIVES...... 9 4. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE...... 9 5.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE VICTORIA FALLS WORLD HERITAGE SITE...... 13 5.1 General landscape...... 13 5.2 Biological features...... 15 5.3 Cultural Heritage: Iron Age and Archaeology...... 16 6.0 MANAGEMENT CONTEXT...... 17 6.1 State of Conservation...... 17 6.1.2: Flora ...... 18 6.1.3 Fauna ...... 20 6.1.3.1 Mammals ...... 20 6.1.3.2 Birds ...... 21 6.1.3.3 Fish ...... 21 6.2 Authenticity and integrity...... 22 6.3 Management framework and legal status...... 23 6.3.1 Legal Framework...... 24 6.3.1.1 Parks and Wildlife Act (Chapter 20:14)...... 24 6.3.1.2 Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27)...... 25 6.3.1.3 National Museums and Monuments Act (Chapter 25:11)...... 24 6.3.1.4 Tourism Act (Chapter 14:20)...... 26 6.3.1.5 Forestry Act (Chapter 19:05)...... 26 6.3.1.6 Rural and Urban Planning Act...... 25 6.3.1.7 Rural District Councils Act (Chapter 29:13)...... 25 6.3.1.8 The Zimbabwe National Water Authority Act...... 26 6.3.1.9 The Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17)...... 26 6.3.2 Management Framework...... 27 6.3.2.1 The Victoria Falls Combination Master Plan...... 27 6.3.2.2 Zambezi/Victoria Falls Park Management Plan: 2005 to 2008...... 27 6.4 Past Management Systems...... 27 6.4.1 Traditional...... 27 6.4.2 Post Livingstone Era...... 28 6.5 Establishment of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site Management Committee...... 28 6.5.1 Role of the Management Committee...... 30 6.5.2 Terms of reference for the Management Committee...... 30 6.5.3 Management Committee term of office...... 31 6.5.4 Implementation of the Management Plan by the Committee...... 31 7. ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT OF KEY ISSUES...... 31 7.1 Community and Stakeholder Consultations...... 31 7.2 Issues arising from community and stakeholder consultations...... 32 7.2.1 Community involvement in the management of the World Heritage Site...... 32 7.2.2 Community benefits from the proceeds of the site...... 34 7.2.3 Resource Utilization...... 34 7.2.3.1 Activities on the Zambezi River...... 34 7.2.3.2 Deforestation...... 35 7.2.4 Poaching ...... 35 7.2.5 Flights ...... 36 7.2.6 Sitting and Nature of New Developments...... 36 7.2.7 Legislation and the management of the WHS...... 36 7.2.8 Pollution ...... 37 3 7.2.9 Trucks ...... 37 7.2.10 Lantana camara...... 37 8.0 THE MANAGEMENT PLAN...... 47 8.1 Background...... 47 8.2 Vision ...... 47 8.3 Guiding principles...... 48 8.4 Conservation and management...... 48 8.4.1 Objective and Activities...... 48 8.6 Tourism and Visitor Management...... 53 8.6.5 Developments...... 44 8.6.5.1 Municipal area...... 44 8.6.5.2 Parks estate...... 44 8.6.5.3 Development impacts will be minimized by...... 45 8.6.5.4 Canoe safaris...... 45 8.6.5.5 Boat cruises...... 45 8.6.5.6 Flight of angels (aerial viewing)...... 46 8.6.5.7 Wildlife based Activities...... 46 8.6.5.8 Marketing...... 46 8.7 Community Cooperation and Participation...... 55 8.7.1 Objectives...... 55 9.0 IMPLEMENTATION MONITORING AND FUNDING...... 56 9.1 Implementation...... 56 9.2 Monitoring...... 57 9.3 Funding and Financial Planning...... 57 9.4 Implementation Schedule...... 57 10. CONCLUSION...... 57
List of figures
Figure 1: Victoria Falls World Heritage Site ...... 10
Figure 2: Victoria Falls Tourism Infrastructure and Cultural Sites ...... 11
4 ANNEXES ANNEXURE 1: Stakeholders and Communities views on the management of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site ...... 32
ANNEXURE 2: STATE OF CONSERVATION (CONDITION REPORT)…………….…….37
ANNEXURE 3: MAPS ...... 41
ANNEXURE 4:MEMBERS OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ...... 42
5 1. INTRODUCTION
The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site is a transboundary property jointly owned by Zambia and Zimbabwe. The site was jointly inscribed by Zimbabwe and Zambia on the World Heritage list on the 15th of December 1989 in terms of the World Heritage Convention (1972). The site was inscribed because of its outstanding universal value relating the unique natural values associated with development of gorges and associated spectacular waterfalls. The purpose of this Management Plan is to guide the state party (Zimbabwe) in the conservation and management of the World Heritage Site for the period 2007 to 2012. Prior to this plan, the site never had any integrated management plan, hence the necessity of one to guide all the stakeholders.
2. BACKGROUND TO THE PLAN
When the Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) was inscribed as a World Heritage Site, it was not a requirement stated by the World Heritage Centre to submit a Management Plan. In terms of the revised and new Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention (2005) it has become mandatory to submit a joint integrated management for the site together with Zambia, given that it’s a transboundary property. Therefore, it is important to produce a nationally integrated management plan before the production of a joint integrated plan. Therefore since inscription the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site has been managed by different authorities in the two States Parties using institutional and annual plans relating to the different parts of the site. The 2002 Bi- national Workshop on Sustainable Conservation of Victoria Falls further recommended the production of a joint integrated management plan in order to address a multiplicity of conservation and management problems affecting the site. It is in this context that the national plan was developed.
The Nationally Integrated Management Plan recognises the attempts that have been made in the last 12 years to assess the impact of developments in the area both at national and bi-national levels with a view to address management challenges for this transboundary site. Such studies include the : (i) A Strategic Environmental Assessment of Developments around Victoria Falls done by IUCN in 1996, (ii) Study on Victoria Falls Combination Master plan by the Victoria Falls Combination Master Plan Preparatory Authority- 2000-2001, and (iii), The 2002 Bi-national Meeting on the Sustainable Development of the Mosi-oa-Tunya/ Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. The above studies made recommendations pointing to the need for establishing both nationally and joint integrated Management Plans for the transboundary property.
Another important factor in designing and developing this Nationally Integrated Management Plan, was the International concern arising from some developments within the World Heritage Site boundary and posing potential threats to the outstanding universal values of the site. These issues were raised and discussed by the 30 th session of the World Heritage Committee in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2006. The subsequent decision of the World Heritage Committee, Decision 30 COM 7B.8, recommended that the two (2) Sates Parties should urgently implement the recommendations of the 2002 Bi-national Meeting on the Sustainable Development of the Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) World Heritage Site as well as those of the IUCN study of 1996.
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre decision and recommendation was followed up by a joint UNESCO/ IUCN monitoring mission to the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site in November 2006. The objective of the Mission was to assess the developments that are threatening the site and deliver the WHC Committee’s position to stakeholders in both countries. The mission recommended inter alia, the development and implementation of a 6 joint integrated Management Plan to address issues threatening the site. However, this process should be preceded by the preparation of a nationally integrated Plan for each State Party.
In order to fulfil the UNESCO/IUCN recommendations and ensure the conservation and management of the site, the Government of Zimbabwe through an Inter-Ministerial Forum of Permanent Secretaries established a Technical Committee chaired to prepare the nationally Integrated Management Plan for the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. The Technical Committee comprised members from the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Local Government, Public Works and Urban Development and last but not least, the National Commission for UNESCO. The Technical Committee commenced work on the Nationally Integrated Management Plan from 26 January- 11 March 2007.
3. OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this management plan are;
3.1 To develop an Institutional Framework for coordinated participation of all stakeholders in the sustainable management of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. 3.2 To conserve and enhance the natural and cultural values of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site 3.3 To promote opportunities for visitor enjoyment, appreciation and education and; 3.4 To ensure that the area remains intact and accessible for the benefit of both the local and world-wide communities
4. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
In terms of the World Heritage Convention, Victoria Falls World Heritage Site has an Outstanding Universal Value by the virtue of being a river with unique geological, gemorphological and aesthetic steep sided gorges, which create one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the World. When the Zambezi River is in full flood, the minimum flow is 500 million litres per minute, plunging headlong into a vertical chasm that spans the rivers full, 1688 metres width, sending clouds of spray that may be seen from a distance of thirty to fifty kilometres. Because of this phenomenon, the locals call the Falls: Mosi oa Tunya-(the smoke that thunders). This habitat provides a diversity flora and fauna, as well as a record of human occupation starting from the Stone Age (3 million years ago) to contemporary communities. Local Chiefs have always controlled the Zambezi passage and guided processes to do with intangible heritage such as worshipping of Gods. The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site is a thus of great significance to the local communities and the world in general from historical, ecological, geological and educational perspectives.
7 As guided by the above brief summary of the significance of Victoria Falls site, the World Heritage Centre inscribed the site as a World Heritage Site under the following criteria:
(i) Criteria (vii) superlative natural phenomenon or area of exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance. (ii) Criteria (viii) an exceptional example of significant ongoing geological and geomorphic processes.
4.1 Geological Value
The site’s geological formation is an attestation of the results of forces that operate beneath the earth’s surface that result in the formation of different landscapes. In the case of Victoria Falls these denudational forces have resulted over a number of years in the creation of the gorge and the spectacular Falls. The Falls, given the uniqueness of the geological formations, are one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world with a curtain of water 1708 and 99 meters wide and high respectively. It is therefore an important educational resource for people studying geological formations.
4.2 Unique and diverse Fauna and Flora
The Rainforest at Victoria Falls has unique important microclimate, with a unique diversity of fauna and flora, with wet conditions throughout the year. The rainforest and the islands are home to a number of rare plant species such as Armophophallus abyssinicus, Lobelia kirkii, and Homallium abdessalamadii. The site is thus rich in biodiversity. The wet conditions, unlike at other rainforests in the country, are created from the water spray as the water plunges over the fault, and not from rainfall. This is not found anywhere else in Zimbabwe or southern Africa.
4.3 Cultural Values
Chronologically, the Victoria Falls area has evidence for human occupation through time and space as illustrated by the Archaeological and historical records. The earliest occupation dates to the Stone Age (3 million years ago) as illustrated by stone tools indicating prolonged occupation of the area in the Middle Stone Age (approximately 50 000 years ago). Weapons, adornments and digging tools from 10 000 to 2 000 BP indicate the presence of Hunter-gatherer communities during the Late Stone Age Period. The Stone Age communities were displaced around 2 000BP by Iron Age Communities. Subsequent communities or traditions guarded and controlled the Zambezi passage and processes associated with the intangible heritage until the colonisation period. Though contemporary communities are alienated from the site itself, they still venerate the site in the same socio-religious context.
Intangible heritage remains at the heart of local communities given their long history conducting traditional ceremonies, including the worshipping of Gods and ancestors. Apart from the Falls themselves, the different islands along the Zambezi River continue to play a very important role in the socio-religious beliefs of local communities. Local communities thus revere a number of sites within the Victoria Falls and along the Zambezi, and these include trees, and the geological formation. These sacred sites show the harmony of nature and living communities. That the site was named by Livingstone after his Queen Victoria is evidence of the disregard of local communities by these emissaries that were on a 8 mission to “discover” Africa. The local name of the site Mosi-oa-Tunya was therefore disregarded.
4.4 Economic Value
The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site is an important economic resource, given that its one of the prime tourist destinations for Africa. This tourism industry has economically empowered, a number of people and companies that include transport industry (regional and local), tour operators and hoteliers, certain sections of local communities, tour guides, boats operators and many other players in the industry. The benefits have cascaded down to the local communities through the sale of curios and organization of village tours. The major impetus for the growth of Victoria Falls town is the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.
As a prime tourist destination, receiving over 200 0000 visitors per year, the falls provide a platform for intercultural intercourse and dialogue, and through the village tours a better understanding of the local communities way of living. This appreciation breeds respect for the local traditions.
5.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE VICTORIA FALLS WORLD HERITAGE SITE
5.1 General landscape
Victoria Falls World Heritage Site lies at 170 1511 south of the Equator, and 250 5511 east of the Green meridian. Thus the WHS and buffer zone consist of a 30-kilometre radius around the Falls on either side of the Zambezi River. On the Zimbabwean side, it includes the Victoria Falls Town (3080 square kilometres), the Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks. Apart from national parks, the buffer zone also encompasses a section of the Hwange Rural District Council (Communal Lands) and the protected Forestry area. The site boundary also includes the Zambezi River, from 6 kilometres above and 12 kilometres below the Falls. The two national parks (Victoria Falls National Park on the west and the riverine strip of the Zambezi National Park extending 9 kilometres west along the right bank of the Zambezi river) encircle the Victoria Falls Town. The Palm and Kandahar Islands in the river are all within the National Parks area, (See Figure 1).
9 Figure 1: Victoria Falls World Heritage Site
10 The upstream riverine areas, the zigzag gorges downstream caused by successive erosion of the falls, and the rain forest vegetation maintained by the spray are the main features of the area. The Victoria Falls geology consists of a thick layer of basalt through which the river has eroded the seven zigzag gorges. The basalt is overlain by thin layers of chalcedony and sandstone, covered by a thick mass of unconsolidated wind-blown Kalahari Sands. The mean annual rainfall varies from 646 to 863mm per year with temperatures ranging from 17 to 37 Degrees Celsius.
The Zambezi River originates from the Mwinilunga District in the North-Western province of Zambia near the frontiers with Angola and Zaire. The River flows for approximately 2700 kilometres to the Indian Ocean south of Quelimane in Mozambique.
Within range of spray of the falls on the gorge is suspension bridge built in 1905, carrying both road and rail between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
5.2 Biological features
Approximately 90% of the area is woodland and natural vegetation, made up of vegetation types; the Kalahari woodland, Mixed Scrubland, Mopane Woodland, Riparian forest and swamp vegetation.
A wide range of flora and fauna species (large mammals, reptiles, birds and fish) characterize the area. Hippos, elephants, buffalo and zebra and sable are the major mammals found within the heritage site. The woodland areas, upstream riverine areas and partly the gorges are the main pronounced habitats for bird species. The Zambezi River has one of the most diverse ranges of fish species on the continent.
5.3 Cultural Heritage within the Victoria Falls Area.
As alluded in the statement of significance, Victoria Falls can be considered a cultural landscape given the evidence pointing to the intertwined relationship of nature and culture. The archaeological sites and many places associated with their intangible beliefs of the indigenous communities of this area demonstrate a clear chronology of occupation through time and space. The first traditional inhabitants of the area were the Stone Age Communities. Glazed and painted flakes, cores and retouched stones are characteristic on both sides of the Zambezi River. Also there are numerous sites associated with Early, Middle and Later Stone Age sequences, and most of them are characterised by hand axes and cleavers representing the Acheulian Techno-complex. The Iron Age Communities subsequently replaced the Stone Age Communities and sites representing these have a wider spatial distribution than the former. Iron Age Communities practised livestock herding, as well as crop production and extensive use of iron implements or tools. Most of these sites are located a distance from the river and on higher ground. Most of the known sites are either habitation sites or religious (sacred) sites. The sacred sites are central to the intangible heritage of this area as they considered pivotal to all rituals. Such places include the many islands along the Zambezi River, Chemapato Hills, and the Big Tree (in Victoria Falls Town). The ancient Batoka Chieftains used Kazeruka, now Garden Island and Boaruka Island situated further west, as sacred spots for worshiping the Deity. However more researches are need to establish the distribution of this cultural heritage and its significance in the context of the spectular geological formations.
6.0 MANAGEMENT CONTEXT
11 6.1 State of Conservation
The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site which entirely lies within protected areas (Zambezi and Victoria Falls National Parks), the Victoria Falls and part of Hwange Rural District (communal lands) has varying levels of state of conservation. This is as a result of individual and uncoordinated institutional implementation of conservation activities and programmes. Naturally, and because of its aerial extent Victoria Falls is vulnerable to several pressures. However, the different stakeholder institutions have over the years contributed to the sustainable conservation of the values enshrined in this World Heritage Site. It is important to note that the site has its own unique challenges owing to its transboundary nature, and development associated with the tourism industry on both sides of the Zambezi River.
6.2 Sate of Conservation: Cultural Sites
Archaeological studies in the Victoria Falls area confirm that the integrity of the Archaeological, religious and historical buildings and sites, as well as cultural/traditional practices have been adversely affected at varying scales or degrees by developments, facilities and activities which are oriented towards satisfying the physical or physiological needs of the tourist (Muringaniza. J.S. 1995). Environmental degradation within the area, deforestation and cultivation has contributed to the disturbance of the archaeological record and the intangible heritage of the area. Cultural dances, indigenous art and crafts have lost their traditional authenticity since they are tailor made to suit the requirements and desires of the largely foreign dominated tourist market. This situation has been ameliorated by the fact that on the eve of colonialism, most indigenous communities were barred from accessing their scared sites through a multiplicity of repressive colonial legislation that governed ownership and use of land. This has been perpetuated by failure to deliberately readdress this colonial set up.
6.3 State of Conservation: Natural Values
This ecological zone is biologically diverse, and is also host to a number of endemic and /or rare plant and bird species. The Rainforest is in a relatively pristine state, including the islands above the falls. However, natural and human induced processes do pose a threat to the integrity of the site.
6.3.1 Flora
The riverine vegetation community, and its extension, the rainforest, have a high diversity of plant species considering its size, with more than 800 species having been recorded. The variety of the plant species adds to the great aesthetic value of the site, and the trees along the river are important for river bank stability. An important feature of the vegetation of the rainforest is the large number of herbaceous and climbing plant species.
Away from the river, vegetation species composition is mostly determined by edaphic factors, with the deep Kalahari sand vegetation dominated by teak (Baikaiae plurijuga), while the shallow basalt soils are predominantly mopane (Colophospermum mopane) woodlands. Vlei/grassland systems e.g. Chamabonda vlei, associated with soils of low drainage are an important component of the vegetation in the area. Species composition of the vleis varies with the moisture regime. Dominant species include Digitaria milinjiana, Heteropogon contortus and thatching grasses.
The major threats to the riparian vegetation community include the impacts of invasive alien species, of which five have been recorded in the rainforest area.
12 Lantana camara is by far the most significant invasive alien plant in terms of extent and impact. This alien species has established in most of the habitats, within the site and its environs. Lantana camara invasion is resulting in the displacement of indigenous plant species, with concomitant loss of habitats for other life forms. Spread of Lantana camara is being aided by human and elephant disturbance to the environment.
Further pressure on the integrity of the vegetation both the core and buffer zones emanates from elephant pressure. The elephant population has continued to rise to unsustainable levels and is a major threat to both plant species diversity and vegetation structure.
Human impact on vegetation is generally correlated with distance from the World Heritage Site, being highest in the surrounding communal lands, Fuller Forest and a section Victoria Falls National Park adjacent to the communal and town areas. Commercial logging in the forest area has traditionally targeted the following species in the Kalahari sand woodland, Baikaea plurijuiga, Pterocarpus angolensis and Guibortia coleosperma. The major conservation concern is tinadequacy of concerted effort to replace harvested trees, since harvest rates are generally higher than regeneration rates of the trees.
Harvest of wood for the curio carving industry has had a negative impact on the state of the woody component of vegetation. Most of the harvest of wood by this sector is uncontrolled, and conducted without due regard to sustainability. Tree species currently targeted for the curio industry are mostly P. angolensis, Combretum imberbe, Afzellia quanzesis and Kirkii acuminate. P. angolensis is on the verge of local extinction. Of further concern is the fact that most of the nutrients in the Kalahari e.g. woodland are locked up in the woody vegetation, whose removal entails loss nutrients, thus affecting growth and regeneration of other trees. However, a moratorium on the harvest of the afore-mentioned species has been put in place by the Forestry Commission. Instead, curio makers are being encouraged to utilise the more abundant White syringa (K. acuminata).
The vleis and grassland are important habitats for a number of game species, including reedbuck, sable, and impala. The major threat to the grasslands and vleis is the encroachment of woody species, of which Terminalia sericea and Burkea Africana are the most common invaders. Indeed, shrinkage of the open grasslands is attributed to the decline in the populations of reedbuck and sable.
Degradation of habitats in the communal area is mostly due to human and domestic animal population pressure. The communal areas lie in agro ecological regions IV and V which are low rainfall areas, characterized by long dry spells. As a result these areas are characterized by poor agricultural productivity, resulting in an unsustainable dependency on natural resources by the communities. Added to that, the soils in the communal areas are generally fragile and easily degraded.
6.3.2 Fauna
There are about 58 mammal species, in the core and buffer zones, of which about 28 species are medium to large mammals. Elephants constitute more than 90% of the mammalian biomass. Other common species include buffalo, waterbuck, hippopotamus, sable and impala. Over the years populations of some species have been on the decline. These include wildebeest, sable, and bushbuck. The causes of decline may include habitat modification, and poaching. Of the carnivores, lions and leopards can be occasionally encountered, though their populations are on the decline. Wild dogs and cheetah populations have stabilized due to reduced persecution since these species are no longer regarded as vermin. Specially protected species include roan, wild dog, and cheetah. 13 The Victoria and its environs host more than 400 bird species, of which about 25% are waterfowl. 15 of Zimbabwe’s 23 specially protected bird species occur within this area. The gorge system below the falls is an important breeding habitat for raptors, having a wide range of these species, which has led to the Batoka gorges being, listed an Important Bird Area. The gorges have one of the world’s highest densities of Taita Falcon. The islands and riverine are also important habitats, hosting a number of rare and threatened species.
Other species of conservation interest apart from the raptors include the African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris) a globally threatened species, the sensitive Pel’s Owl (Scotopelia pel), Brown Firefinch (Podica senegalensis) and Half-collared kingfisher (Alcedo semitorquata). The survival of these species is conservation dependent, and their presence is a useful indicator on the state of the environment.
The falls are ecologically significant as far as fish species composition in the Zambezi River is concerned. As a result of the barrier effect of the falls, there are distinct fish communities in the Zambezi River above and below the falls. While there about 84 species above the falls, there are only about 64 below the falls, of which only 30 species are common to both sections of the river.
Not much recent work has been directed to the fish communities of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, on the Zimbabwean side to determine species population dynamics. Of concern is that a number of non-indigenous species of fish species have been introduced directly into the Zambezi, or its tributaries, and the impacts of the introductions on the native fish communities have not been thoroughly investigated.
6.4 Authenticity and integrity
Despite the above pressures on the site, most Stakeholder Institutions have ensured that the integrity and authenticity of the site has remained in the pre-listing state. As such, most stakeholders have ensured that their programmes and activities do not negatively affect the site. The post listing has witnessed almost zero tolerance on developments, however on approved and limited developments associated with tourism industry, the Environmental Impact Assessment Policy has always been invoked to avoid destruction of the values of the site. It should be noted the Government of Zimbabwe has recently strengthened enforcement of the EIA policy. However, the past years have seen pressure to develop structures within the World Heritage Site increase, although these projects have not been approved. Non Governmental Organisations have also extensively contributed to environmental conservation through community based projects within and around Victoria Falls Town. The Victoria Falls Municipality has always endeavoured to promote environmental conservation and waste management within its jurisdiction, however in partnership with other players.
Before and since its inscription as a World Heritage Site, conservation efforts have largely maintained the natural settings of the immediate falls area on the Zimbabwean side. Measures to control the weed have been initiated and have met with considerable success in controlling the invasive plant as it remains a threat to local biodiversity throughout the World Heritage Site. There is potential threat to the stability of the walls of the gorges due to Lantana growth.
6.5 Legal Framework
The Victoria Falls were first proclaimed a National Monument in 1937 through Government Notice No 317 in terms Section 9 of the Monuments and Relics Act 14 (Chapter 70) now the National Museums and Monuments Act 25:11. The proclamation was repeated in 1970 through Government Notice No 640. This proclamation saw Victoria Falls being gazetted as the 1st National Monument of Zimbabwe followed by the prestigious Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site, both being managed by the Historical Monuments Commission, now the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ). Due to the limited capacity of the then Historical Monuments Commission to manage the surrounding environments, both sites were placed under the administration of the Department of National Parks, now Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (PWMA). Therefore by proclamation 25 of 1952, the Victoria Falls Game Reserve and Victoria Falls Reserve were amalgamated to form the Victoria Falls National Park. While Great Zimbabwe reverted back to the administration of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe in 1976, the Victoria Falls is still under the administration the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. But the site is still a National Monument in terms of the NMMZ Act 25:11. This historical context provides the legal framework, which should guide the management and conservation of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. However there are other supportive Acts and by-laws that provide for the protection and management of the environs and certain attributes of the site. Furthermore, the different classes of land tenures in the buffer zone, and variety of land uses mean that management and administration falls under a number of agencies governed by other pieces of legislation. To this end, different sets of legislation are applied in the management and utilisation of the World Heritage Site and its environs.
6.5.1 Parks and Wildlife Act (Chapter 20:14)
The site was proclaimed a National Park in 1952 and its management is controlled by the Parks Wildlife Act. The major objective of the Act is the protection of wildlife, ecological processes and landscapes within the parks estate. The PWMA is a quasi government organization that is empowered by the Act to carry out ecological management and research, law enforcement, provision of tourist accommodation and revenue collection within the Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks.
6.5.2 National Museums and Monuments Act (Chapter 25:11)
This Act empowers National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe as a Statutory Body responsible for the administration and management of Zimbabwe’s museums, monuments, sites, relics and fossils, which are considered national heritage. This national heritage is located in various categories of land such as private, communal, municipal and state lands including National Parks. Therefore the Act requires the National Museums and Monuments to establish and maintain records of all sites and monuments within the country. The Act also accords a special status to sites considered to be of national significance through gazetting them as National Monuments. The NMMZ is expected to sustainably manage all the cultural sites as part of its national mandate.
6.5.3 Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27)
The Act came into being after the amalgamation of the following Acts which have sine been repealed: (i) Natural Resources Act (Chapter 20:13) (ii) Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (Chapter 20:03) (iii) Hazardous Substances and Articles Act (Chapter 15:05) (iv) Noxious Weeds Act (Chapter 19:07)
15 The Act’s objective is to provide four sustainable management of natural resources and the environment, prevention of pollution and environmental degradation and the preparation of a National Environmental Plan and other plans for the management and protection of the environment. The management plan also priorities enforcement of environmental assessment policy, as well as the control of invasive alien species. Administration of this Act is done by the Environmental Agency.
6.5.4 Rural and Urban Planning Act
The Act mandates the Victoria Falls Municipality to manage land and provide services within its area of jurisdiction. The management of land involves the subdivision of land to create land for housing, commercial and tourist related developments as well as sustainability of the developments related Acts of Parliament dealing within the environment, pollution and control of development.
6.5.5 Rural District Councils Act (Chapter 29:13)
This Act provides for the declaration of districts and establishment of rural district councils which fall under the Ministry of local government. Furthermore, the Act confers and imposes functions upon rural district councils and provides for administration of their areas. The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site falls in the Hwange District. The district council administers Hwange’s CAMPFIRE programme which facilitates flow of benefits from the district’s natural resources to the communities. Benefits are derived from safari hunting, rafting and photographic safaris.
6.5.6 The Zimbabwe National Water Authority Act
Zimbabwe National Water Authority Act governs the optimum development and utilization of water resources in Zimbabwe. Water quality management and abstraction, with the objective of prevention water pollution are the focal points of the Act.
6.5.7 The Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17)
This Act of 1998 provides for chiefs to promote and uphold cultural values among members of the community. It also recognizes them as legal custodians of traditional institutions as well as both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in their respective areas. The chief among his other duties has the responsibility to prevent any unauthorized settlement or use of any land. The chiefs also have the power to protect archaeological heritage that is threatened by development within their areas.
6.5.8 Forestry Act (Chapter 19:05)
The forestry Act provides for the designation of forestry areas and the protection of forests, trees and natural produce. The Act regulates trade in forest produce and aforestation of private land. The Forest Commission is required to work with schools and Rural District Councils to establish reafforestation projects.
6.5.9 Tourism Act (Chapter 14:20)
The Act sets standards to facilitate implementation of tourist related Activities and developments. The Act regulates designation, registration and grading of tourist facilities and registration of persons providing services connected with tourism. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is the implementing agency.
16 6.6 Management Framework
Given the history of national legislation applicable to the site, as well as the historical context of the management it is clear that the site has been managed by different institutional stakeholders at different times. Even if it’s concurrent, the management still lack coordination or institutional framework. This situation has led to the current management challenges, and therefore needs to be addressed. Prior to the protection of site through formal legislation, traditional protection systems revolving around taboos, myths, rituals and ceremonies were integral in the management of the site. When the site was declared a national monument in terms of the NMMZ ACT 25:11, it was managed by the Historical Monuments Commission, now NMMZ. When cessation was made Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, the management become under PWMA. The other environs within and around the core area have been managed by other institutions in line with their respective legislations. The setting up an Institutional Framework for the management of the site remains important for this transboundary property.
6.7 Past Management Systems
6.7.1 Traditional Management Systems
Archaeological and historical evidence show that the area was inhabited or occupied before the arrival of David Livingstone in 1855. The traditional Management system is not clearly documented. It is however, known that the system emphasized sustainable utilization of resources. A number of points both up and downstream of the falls as well as some places in the National Park were used for ritual purposes.
The local inhabitants before the arrival of the Tonga used to call the falls Shungu Mumi, meaning the life falls. When the Kololo group of people arrived, they called the area “Mosi-oa-Tunya” meaning the smoke that thunders. The Tonga Leya group of people called them Shongwe meaning the smoke fumes. It is important to note that successive local communities revered the falls and treated them with respect, thereby ensuring the sustainable management of the Falls and its environs.
6.8 Current Management System
6.8.1 Parks and Wildlife Management Authority
From the 1920s until the 1950s, the protected areas were under the Forestry Department. The gazetting of the site as a National Monument saw National Muesums and Monuments of Zimbabwe managing the site until its cessation to PWMA. The creation of the Parks Board (Southern Rhodesian National Parks Board), led to the establishment of a National Parks Department which began to administer the area known as the Victoria Falls National Park, which was proclaimed a National Park in 1952. As such PWMA has over the years used annul plans to manage both the core and buffer zones of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. The PWMA has a staff compliment of ********* to manage the two parks enclosed in the World Heritage Site boundary.
17 Currently the PWMA has the Zambezi/Victoria Falls Park Management Plan for the period 2005 to 2008. The plan was developed by the PWMA and stakeholders to direct park development and operations. It identifies and outlines strategies required in order to ensure that shared vision and goals of the park are realized. The purposes of the plan include to: identify define and analyze all key park management issues, provide a framework for ensuring coordinated effort in designing and implementation of park policy and management programmes.
6.8.2 National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe
Given that Victoria Falls World Heritage Site is still a National Monument in terms of the NMMZ Act 25:11, an institutional framework needs to be put in place to allow NMMZ to manage the cultural components of the site.
6.8.3 The Victoria Falls Combination Master Plan.
The Victoria Falls Municipality is in the process of producing the Victoria Falls Combination Master Plan. This plan aims to harmonise and control developments within the Victoria Falls area. The process leading to this Combination Master Plan was a stakeholder driven process. This plan compliments efforts underway by other stakeholders in the management of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.
6.8.4 Hwange Rural District Council
For the buffer zone of the World Heritage Site, the Hwange Rural District Council through the Regional & Town Planning Act and Urban Councils Act is managing the adjacent communal areas with the help of the traditional leadership. This has ensured a concerted effort in dealing with environmental conservation issues.
6.8.5 Establishment of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site Management Committee
Taking cognisance of the fragmented and the lack of coordination in the management systems for the site and in line the 2002 recommendations for establishing an institutional framework at both national and state party level, the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site Management Committee (VFMC) has been set up. The VFMC is very locally based and includes the agencies directly involved in the management of the site, as well as the local authorities and stakeholders. Its major responsibility is to coordinate the management of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site on the Zimbabwean side. This Committee also reports to Inter-Ministerial Committee set up for the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, and this was also in line with 2002 Recommendations. Both Committees will be represented at the Joint Technical and Ministerial Committee for the site.
18 Structure of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site Management Committee
CHAIRPERSON (Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority)
VICE CHAIR PERSON (National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe)
SECRETARY (Victoria Falls Municipality]
VICE SECRETARY (Environmental Management Authority)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS (Local Chief; HRDC; Forestry Commission; HAZ-Victoria Falls; ZTA; Tonga Leya Representative and ZINWA)
6.8.6 Role of the Management Committee
The Management Committee is a supervisory and implementing body respecting and representing the interest of all stakeholders, and is accountable to the stakeholders for Actions or Activities through an Inter-Ministerial Committee. The Management 19 Committee is responsible for setting up Technical Committees to deal with management issues as and when the need arises.
6.8.7 Terms of reference for the Management Committee
To facilitate monitoring assessments by UNESCO of the state of the World Heritage Site To meet at least three times specific (once in every four months) each calendar year Two thirds of the Management Committee members will constitute a quorum at such meetings To develop a constitution within two months after appointed to be approved by the Ministerial Committee Assess proposed developments in Victoria Falls Appoint and Supervise Technical Committees to deal with specific issues or challenges Ensure an appropriate funding mechanism for the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site
6.8.8 Management Committee term of office
The Management Committee will hold office for 5 years. Former members are eligible for re-election depending on their performance as assessed by stakeholders.
6.8.9 Implementation of the Management Plan by the Committee
The Management Committee will play supervisory and monitoring roles to ensure the implementation of the committee’s recommendations by the managing authority.
7. ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT OF KEY ISSUES
7.1 Community and Stakeholder Consultations
Meetings with local communities and the traditional leaders revealed that there was very limited consultation with the traditional leadership and involvement of local communities in the management of the site. This has led to the perceived denial of access by the local communities to sacred (cultural) sites within and outside the Park and World Heritage Site. The communities lamented cultural erosion desecration of sacred places and loss of cultural property to illicit trade resulting from restricted or no access to their cultural sites. This exercise also helped to conscientise the communities and stakeholders on the meaning and benefits of the inscription of Victoria Falls as a World Heritage Site and thus, the importance of sustaining that status.
Although there is no quota system, priority is given to locals for semi-skilled and unskilled jobs. Local communities expect complementary entry to the Falls. It will very desirable that a single day in a year is reserved for the community.
It was agreed that; Consistent and meaningful consultations with the traditional; leaders and their communities will be a fundamental component of the integrated management plan. Traditional/indigenous knowledge systems for conservation of the site should be part of the management strategy. Custodians should be allowed access to the cultural sites. The composition of the management committee will be localized.
20 7.2 Community benefits from the proceeds of the site
Most communities feel strongly that the site is benefiting foreigners, private business and the government at their expense. It was pointed out that the HRDC was not doing enough to develop and improve the infrastructure in the communal areas. The HRDC shall engage relevant stakeholders and partners in devising participatory management system for resource.
7.3 Resource Utilization
The absence of sustainable and environmentally friendly mechanism for resources utilisation leads to acute land or environmental degradation.
7.3.1 Activities on the Zambezi River
It was evident that there was a general consensus among tour operators on the need; Regulate the number of boats/vessels in the river at any given. To determine and adhere to the carrying capacity of the river Remove broken down boats from the river banks Define guidelines for camping along the river Clearly defined parameters of operation for jet boats that include safety.
7.3.2 Illegal Harvesting of Trees [Deforestation]
Deforestation is rife in the communal areas, Victoria Falls National Park, close to the gorges and the Forestry area. Loss of vegetation is attributed to domestic animal grazing pressure, harvest of timber for curio carving, commercial logging and firewood collection. Some tree species are on the verge of extinction as a result of unsustainable harvest pressure. It is important to note that a number of tree species in the core and buffer zones of the World Heritage Site do not occur anywhere else in Zimbabwe e.g. G coleosperma and B. plurijuga. Currently, programmes to protect the woodlands include law enforcement patrols, forest enrichment, and controlling curio trade. In addition a fence has been erected on the northern boundary of Victoria Falls National Park, adjacent to the communal areas.
7.4 Uncontrolled Fires
Uncontrolled fires are a cause for concern due to their frequency, as well as intensity. Sizeable sections of the protected areas are open grasslands that generate intense heat when burnt. Such fires can alter the vegetation species composition, leading to loss of fire sensitive species, which are usually the more palatable ones. Further negative impacts include loss of soil nutrients and reduced water holding capacity of soils.
To keep these threats under check and avoid adverse ecological impact, it was agreed that: Forestry Commission, Zambezi National Park and partners should promote agro forestry, reforestation programs and management of the remaining forest in the communal areas and the National Park area. Alternative and environmentally friendly sources of energy need to be explored, sourced and encouraged where suitable e.g. rural electrification, solar panels, Tsotso stoves, cheap cost (low grade) coal from Wankie Colliery.
21 There should be strict licensing and monitoring of curio vendors and shops. At the moment there are 5 000-registered curio shops. Alternative sources of employment need to be explored e.g. market gardening by the local communities for hoteliers in Victoria Falls Town.
7.5 Illegal hunting [Poaching]
Poaching has been driven by both subsistence and commercial interests. Several issues were raised during consultations with stakeholders over the problem of poaching. Bush meat poaching is considered to be one of the most severe threats to wildlife in Southern Africa. The preferred tool in this kind of poaching is the wire snare, which, tragically, is non-selective in animals killed in terms of age, sex and species of animals. A wide variety of species ranging from warthogs to elephants are being killed. The situation is exacerbated by the availability of a ready market. However, success has been registered to date through the collaborative efforts of ZPWMA and other stakeholders.
7.6 Flight Levels and Regulations
Stakeholders expressed concern over the lack of strict flight level regulations as well as the relocation of the helipad from Elephant Hills Hotel to Chamabondo as was advised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ). A flight plan has been drafted and will be finalized and it will also include measures to instigate noise pollution in the World Heritage Site.
Some stakeholders pointed out that the relocation of the helipad to Chamabondo is not a long term solution, long term solution being the relocation to the airport.
7.7 New Developments within the World Heritage Site
Buildings that are within the World Heritage Site and the buffer zone were in existence prior inscription of the site on the world Heritage List. Only projects that had passed the approval stage can be allowed to go ahead. As far as new developments in the Victoria Falls area are concerned, there is need for dialogue between Zambia and Zimbabwe over new proposals.
7.8 The management of the WHS
Stakeholders generally agree that there is adequate legislation to cover all aspects of the WHS. However, there is need for harmonisation of operations by different governments departments. This coordinated approach amongst government departments should be underscored in the management plan. This coordinated approach will be helped by the completion of the Victoria Falls Combination Master Plan and the consolidation of the different documents on Victoria Falls into an Integrated Management Plan. Management roles of NMMZ and ZPWMA in the rainforest should be clearly defined.
7.9 Pollution
Stakeholders agreed that pollution of the Zambezi River course will have adverse effects on the WHS and the ecology of the area. There are efforts coordinated by ZPWMA to control waste management and stop oil-leaking boats from getting into the river. Concerns were also raised about noise pollution which is attributed to helicopters.
22 7.10 Heavy Vehicular Congestion
Haulage trucks passing through Victoria Falls on the way to Zambia are blocking the entrance and road to the Rain Forest. They inconvenience visitors and become an eye sore. Consultations are in progress with relevant stakeholders such as the Victoria Falls Municipality, ZIMRA and Immigration to construct a bigger parking/clearance area before the border post.
7.11 Invasive Alien Species
Invasion of habitats by invasive alien species is the second greatest threat to biological diversity. The World Heritage Site has been heavily infested by Lantana camara. This has led to loss of habitats as well as displacement if indigenous plants, especially in the vicinity of the falls. A programme to control this species has been launched in the rainforest.
7.12 Research and Development Issues
Research and Development are crucial in any management system. For Victoria Falls World Heritage Site which is made up different components ranging from the flora and fauna the geological structure, archaeological as well as sacred sites, there is need for more research on these different components. This will provide a better basis for management of the site.
There is little information on archaeological sites around the Victoria Falls, especially on the Zimbabwean side. There is therefore need for archaeological surveys within the core and buffer zones to record all archaeological sites and update or create a database. This database will be used to sanction any developments within the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.
There is also need for consultations with the local communities that should lead to a better understanding of sacred sites as well as belief systems around the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. Currently there is limited information on sacred sites. The local communities view any researchers with suspicion, especially after the disappearance of some pots from a sacred site (Chamapato). The recording of sacred sites and traditions will lead to mutual trust between managing authority and local community.
In the core zone, reports by consultants have shown that, the vegetation in the Rainforest has been changing through time. Some tree species have gone extinct. Little however is known about the causes of these changes. It is therefore crucial that research is done to ascertain the causes of these changes and how they can be managed.
The ZPWLMA and its partners have been working on the removal of invasive alien species in the Rainforest. However impact of such actions is not known. Research on the results of such programs is critical, as it will lead to a better management of the site. There is no enrichment planting in the rainforest for areas that have been cleared of invasive alien species but there is little reason on why this should not be done.
There is need for updated documentation of all plant species within the WHS, this will provide the basis for monitoring increase or decline in tree species. A botanist should be engaged to carryout the documentation.
There is a number of fauna species within the World Heritage Site. The fauna is related to the flora and thus changes in the later will affect it, and vice versa. There is need 23 therefore for an inventory of common fauna in the rainforest as a way of trying to attain equilibrium in the ecosystem.
The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site is a geological formation, of which little is known about the development. A geologist/palaeontologist should therefore carryout research on the developments of the falls. This baseline study will implore the managing authorities to plan on how best to manage the changes. Research is crucial in developing or modifying management systems for the critical landscape.
The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site is affected by Activities on the upstream of the Zambezi River. It is therefore imperative that there is research on the Zambezi River upstream on activities that may affect flow of the River. There are also some commercial Activities on the river itself like the oil spills from cruise boats whose impact on aquatic life is not known. Research has to be commissioned, and this will help in the management of the riverine ecosystem. Research on waste disposal and agro-chemical disposal upstream needs to also be studied, as these might lead to eutrophication and growth of invasive species like water hyacinth on the Zambezi River and downstream reservoirs like Kariba.
Within the buffer zone, there are no accurate figures on animal populations. The current census methods do not give precise estimates, especially for carnivores. However he population estimates are useful in determining trends in species populations. Ecological and biodiversity studies in the buffer zone will help in wildlife management interventions as and when required. This programme also entails monitoring regeneration of plants in cleared areas. However, more than half of the infested area has been rid of Lantana camara.
7.13 Conservation and Management Issues
The plan recognizes the urgency of setting up institutional mechanisms to aid a coordinated and collaborative approach to the management of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. It is noted that effective management and conservation issues of the site extends to area outside the site being affected by and affecting a number of stakeholders.
The continued growth of the elephant population is posing a major conservation threat, where high elephant densities especially in the riverine areas of the core zone where dry season densities can reach to over 2 elephants per square kilometre. This has resulted in loss of certain plant species, and opening up of woodland canopies, making the disturbed areas predisposed to invasions by alien plant species. Current efforts to reduce elephant population in the riverine section are through provision of water from two boreholes in the south of the Zambezi National Park.
Conservation of cultural sites and artefacts is inadequate with some reports of important historical artefact having disappeared. Conservation and accessibility to major sites presents major challenges and there is need for greater involvement and consultation of local communities. The several tourists to the area do not always subscribe to the preservation of the cultural values of the area, resulting in desecration of sacred sites. Loss of knowledge within communities themselves regarding culturally important sites through successive generations has resulted in the sites losing significance to present day local inhabitants. As such protection of the site is further compromised. Some of the sites are not documented, and therefore not protected.
New tourist activities have been developed within the WHS for example abseiling, motorized water rafting, potentially adding pressure to the site. Existing tourist activities need to be controlled in terms of scientifically derived carrying capacities; this is 24 especially of importance to water borne Activities such as boat cruises, flights over the falls (number of aircraft and acceptable noise levels). In short, there is need to balance economic returns and ecological sustainability.
Furthermore development of hotels and lodges is a major challenge. Currently, there is existing pressure to erect more accommodation developments within the World Heritage Site buffer zone. However all developments are to be preceded by EIAs in order to minimize negative impacts.
7.14 Tourism and Visitor Management Issues
Victoria Falls being one of the world’s greatest wonders and a World Heritage Site is a major tourist attraction in Southern Africa. The high tourist arrivals experienced during tourism peak season have increased the need for more hotel/lodge accommodation, demand for more tourism activities and the following challenges within the World Heritage Site surrounding areas; Pressure to put up more hotels and lodges and camping facilities. Developers tend to prefer sites in the core zone along the Zambezi River. This also leads to blocking of the game corridors. Increased illegal activities like wood poaching for curio making and firewood. Waste management – litter, along roads and paths Pollution which includes water pollution from boats on the rivers, release of sewage into the river system, especially at Masue and noise pollution from the helicopters.
At present the limits are set s follows:
Rainforest 250 clients at any given time, number of companies carrying out guided tours is not limited.
Activity Number of operator allowed Number of vehicles or boats allowed Rafting 8 - Canoeing 6 - Cruise boats - 40 Zambezi walks 4 - Game drives - 60
Activities for which carrying capacities are still to be assessed are, Helicopter flights, fixed wings, sport fishing, motorized rafting, dinner cruises and float planes
Developments
Several places within the Victoria Falls World Heritage site have been earmarked for future developments related to tourism activities. These areas include (i) municipal area (proposed development include the Nyaminyami Theme Park, Caravan Site lodge development, New boat club site- accommodation, and RTG site hotel), (ii) Parks estate (proposed developments include View point – hotel development, Kandahar Island- semi permanent camp, and Chundu Island – semi permanent camp (30 km radius). These proposed developments should be controlled and subjected to EIA policies.
25 8.0 THE MANAGEMENT PLAN
8.1 Planning Process
The planning process involved desk top surveys of already existing literature on the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site and its environs. This was followed by consultative meetings with stakeholders and local communities in line with WHC guidelines. Follow up meetings as well as tracer interviews were carried to clarify some issues. Facts and figures gathered from this planning process were integrated and consolidated to produce this plan.
8.2 Vision
The vision for the management plan is sustainability of the significance of the core and buffer zones to reduce further deterioration of the natural environment. This vision of sustainable development involves joint management of the core and buffer zones so as to:
Maintain the wilderness, cultural and biodiversity values of the World Heritage Site. Balance socio-economic benefits and sustainable environmental management; Develop planning and management measures to limit growth of superstructures to the carrying capacity of the natural environment; Reduce poverty through wealth creation and sharing of resources. Involve key stakeholders at all levels of planning and improve smart partnerships between, implementing communities and NGOs.
Conservation and Management
Guiding Principle
Develop and improve an effective management system that includes all stakeholders.
Objective and Activities
Enforcement of EIA policy for all proposed developments within the World Heritage Site and buffer zone
The Management Committee will ensure that all stakeholder institutions will comply with the Environmental Management Act for any developments within the World Heritage Site.
Adopt a policy to promote high quality low volume tourism within the World Heritage Site to reduce tourism related impacts in the site to enhance conservation and wilderness value of the fragile environment.
The Management Committee and ZPWMA will adopt pricing mechanism that will effectively control visitor numbers, without unduly alienating local people, 2008 to 2012.
Control negative impacts in the World Heritage Site and surrounding buffer zone as a result of incompatible land use within the buffer zone and surrounding areas
26 The ZPWMA and EMA will undertake surveys to produce an inventory on land use practices and impacts within the buffer zone and the Zambezi River catchments upstream of the Victoria Falls, 2007 to 2008.
ZPWMA and EMA will launch campaign against use of Lantana camara as a hedge or ornamental purposes in the environs of the World Heritage Site by residents with collaboration of Environmental Management Authority, 2007 to 2012
In collaboration, PWMA, Forestry Commission, The Hwange Rural District Council and Environmental Management Authority carry out awareness campaigns in the protection and restoration of forests, 2007 t0 2012.
Enhance control introductions of exotic fish species for angling and fish farming purposes in the catchments of the Zambezi River upstream of the falls, 2007 to 2012.
Develop an integrated land use plan for the buffer zone, 2007 to 2008
Protect and enhance biodiversity through control of invasive alien species, protection of habitats, formulating integrated fire management plans and controlling elephant densities in the riverine habitats.
The management committee will invest in the biological monitoring of invasive alien species, as well as comparative evaluation of mechanical, chemical and biological control of the weeds in 2008
PWMA will initiate research to determine causes and impacts of habitat modification on sensitive and rare species of bird and fish species between 2008 and 2012.
The management committee, ZPWMA and EMA will carry out mechanical control measures to eradicate Lantana camara and other exotic plant species in the World Heritage Site from 2007.
PWMA, Hwange RDC, Forest Commission, will spearhead development of an integrated fire management plan to improve prevention, control of wildfires as well as judicious use of management fires between 2007 2012.
PWMA will control dry season elephant densities in the riverine habitats by enhanced provision of artificial water supplies in the Chamabonda and Kalisosa vleis through refurbishment of existing borehole from 2008.
Manage noise and water pollution from aircraft and boats and waste disposal within the World Heritage Site
The management committee, in collaboration with CAAZ will set limits of acceptable noise levels and number of flights at any given time over the falls between 2007 and 2012.
PWMA and EMA will carry out regular water quality tests to monitor pollution of the river from water vessels, and ensure offending vessels are stopped operating from 2008.
27 Develop capacity through staff appointments, capacity building and facilitation of collaborative programmes to enhance effective conservation in the WHS
The ZPWMA and NMMZ will assess training needs among staff and organize capacity building courses – 2008 to 2012 The ZPWMA and NMMZ will appoint new qualified staff to fill in gaps within the organizations – 2008 to 20012 The ZPWMA and NMMZ will carry out collaborate projects with other agency to facilitate information sharing
Produce and maintain regularly updated inventory on biodiversity cultural sites of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site
PWMA continue animal population monitoring in parks areas and outside, and adopt carnivore population monitoring programmes between 2008 and 2012. PWMA update the plant species inventory in the WHS between 2008 2012. PWMA initiates fish and bird species population surveys from 2009 NMMZ records and update inventory of cultural site in the WHS.
Control illegal Activities that threaten the integrity of the site
The management will regularly review penalties for illegal Activities from 2008. PWMA will increase continue to carry out regulate area law enforcement patrols in the area between 2008 and 2012. The NMMZ will carry out constant monitoring programmes to protect cultural sites.
Research and Development
Guiding principle
Research and document all values to enhance the understanding of the Victoria Falls site and further contribute to its management.
Objectives
NMMZ to undertake a detailed survey and documentation of all cultural sites in the World Heritage Site
Expand the existing database, 2007 – 2012. Carryout a 100% archaeological survey within the area 2007 – 2012. Liaise with local communities to record sacred sites and other cultural sites (2007 to 2008). Put measures to protect the sacred sites and other cultural areas (2007 to 2012). Record oral history, myths and legends from the local communities especially the Tonga who are the original inhabitants that were displaced by the resettlement of the Ndebele in the area around 1955 (2007 – 2009).
28 Develop a biodiversity inventory and continue research on species within the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site
Engage a Botanist to carryout a plant study and create an inventory of plants (2007 and 2012). Undertake an animal population census within the Victoria Falls National Park (2007 and 2012). Monitor long term effects of the removal of invasive Alien species (207 – 2012). Assess the implications of enrichment planting in areas outside the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site , with the intention of introducing it in the core zone if results are desirable (2007 to 2012). Undertake short and long term biodiversity monitoring including regular animal census so that the statistics and trends are known and appropriate wildlife adaptive management Action can be prescribed (2007 and 2012). Assess, carryout and expand the invasive Alien Species program (2007 to 2012).
Develop a proper river resource utilization program
Study the effects of pollution on the river (2007 and 2012). Regulate Activities on the Zambezi River (2007 to 2012). Regulate the disposal of alignments into the Zambezi River (2007 to 2012).
Develop and carryout a study of the geological process at the Victoria Falls
Engage a geologist for a baseline study (2007 to 2012). Carryout geological monitoring exercise (2007 to 2012). Put in place plans to accommodate the changes in the geological structure (2007 to 2008).
Tourism and Visitor Management
Guiding Principle
Develop and promote the VWHS as an international tourism destination that will ensure visitor enjoyment.
Objectives
Control developments in the site to avoid blocking of game corridors and less of aesthetic value;
Stop new lodge and hotel developments in the core zone, 2010 Develop policy and plans for infrastructural developments specifying standards, 2008
Control the number of tourists entering the Park at any given time and limit the number of tour operators for each activity in order to reduce pollution;
Limit number of visitors to a maximum of 500 in the Rainforest at any given time, 2007 Setting carrying capacities for the following activities; aircrafts, motorised ropes below the falls, dinner cruises, float planes and sport fishing companies, 2008 29 Develop canoe safaris guidelines Complete the concrete foot path from the David Livingstone’s statue area to the VIP gate and resurface all damaged areas, 2008 to 2009
Provide adequate security to visitors.
Lobby for more tourist police, 2007 Deploy at least two rangers in the Rain Forest to patrol the visitor routes
Provide quality information on the Victoria Falls
Develop, design and print brochures relating to the World Heritage Site and distribute domestically and internationally even in airlines, 2008 to 2009. Carry out Television and Radio programmes through the marketing officer, 2008 to 2012
Install electronic ticketing systems
Introduce a second entry point in order to enhance revenue collection and also avoid long visitor ques at the Rain Forest Buy and install electronic and turn stile, 2008 Train staff in the use of new equipment, 2008
Improve visitor service at the Rainforest
Provide wheel chairs for the injured clients or those that may not be able to complete the tour on foot Replace informative signs with improved ones, 2007 Place more warning signs at the Horse Shoe, Rainbow and danger point, 2007 Barriers along the falls – replace the thorn branches as and when necessary, 2007 to 2012 Litter – design baboon proof dust bin for the falls area Build an abulition block for visitors and operators at the car park, 2007 to 2008
Improve visitor accommodation
Refurbish the 20 Zambezi Camp’s lodges and 3 fishing camps, Kandhar, Mpalajena and Siansimba Islands
Community Cooperation and Participation
Guiding Principle
Ensure community involvement and benefits in the sustainable management of the WHS and its environs.
Objectives
To hold regular consultative meetings between the management committee and the local community representatives to develop mutual understanding and respect, 2008 to 2012
30 Hold regular meetings between management committee and local community should be drawn up and followed religiously Devise lines of communication that promote smooth flow of information
To create opportunities for local communities to benefit from the WHS status of Victoria Falls in a manner that does not compromise sustainable utilisation and the integrity of the site, 2007 to 2012
Dialogue between policy makers and the community Initiate developmental projects among local communities through the relevant government departments and agencies Develop and Implement income generating projects for local communities.
To promote interest and awareness of the outstanding values of the WHS, 2007 to 2012
Design and Implement Heritage Educational outreach programmes for schools, tertiary education institutions and public Facilitation of regulated access for educational tours for the local schools. To enhance the presentation of the culture of the local people, 2007 to 2011.
9.0 IMPLEMENTATION MONITORING AND FUNDING
9.1 Implementation
The management plan has yearly Activities and indicators that will be used by the Management Committee for its implementation and monitoring. The Management Committee will coordinate the different authorities and stakeholders in its implementation.
9.2 Monitoring
Performance indicators for each Activity will be used to assess progress in the implementation of the plan. The Management Committee will meet once every four months to review progress and make recommendations for the way forward. Annual reports will be produced as and when requested by the Management Committee.
9.3 Funding and Financial Planning
Activities and strategies identified during the planning process need to be carried out by specific institutions. These institutions will cost all their Activities and where there is need the Management Committee will supplement the available resources through fund raising.
9.4 Implementation Schedule
10. CONCLUSION
This management plan takes cognizance of the fact that Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (WHS) is a Transboundary site and holistic management of the heritage place has to involve both state parties.
31 ANNEXURE 1: Stakeholders and Communities views on the management of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site
A total of 13 meetings were held with stakeholders and local communities in Victoria Falls Town, Chief Mvutu, Chief Shana and Chief Hwange. The local communities fall within a 100km radius from the site. These meetings include follow-up meetings with some stakeholders on issues which the Technical team need further confirmation. The aims of the meetings were to; Create awareness among the local communities and stakeholders on the significance of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site status. Capture the views of stakeholders and local communities on the management of the site. Create a sense of ownership among stakeholders and communities of the management plan. To gain knowledge on cultural sites and practices Assess the benefits which stakeholders and local communities have derived from the site. Gain knowledge on traditional conservation and management systems that have a bearing on the management of the World Heritage Site .
8 March 2007 – Chisuma Ward No consultations in planning and implementation of projects and developments within the area in general. Free entry into the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site for local communities Before 1960s, the Falls could be heard for a distance of more than 30km but this no longer the case In the past elders could carry out religious rites at the site whenever there were problems affecting the country Religious artefacts and pots were taken away from a sacred near the Gorges Lodges by people who purported to be Government Officials. This has caused anxiety among the local communities There are a number of sacred sites in the Victoria Falls and Gorges area which will be reported later to the relevant authorities Rafting companies exiting from the Zambezi River in the communal lands are damaging the roads while they are not remitting meaningful exit fees and at the same time are not investing in any infrastructural developments Lack of support to draw water from the nearby Zambezi River Traditionally people were not allowed to play around the falls, but today people carry out Activities such as rafting, bungi jumping and abseiling which desecrate the site Gorges lodges were built on a sacred site. The site has been fenced off thus denying the local community access to the place. As a result last rites were done in 2005. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority should attend to problem animal control since the Hwange Rural District Council is not reacting timorously There are too many boats on the Zambezi River, some of them must be removed Local communities need time to discuss the issues of sacred sites and present them to the Technical Committee in the next meeting They need revenue collected from the site to be used to develop the Victoria Falls area Cattle should be allowed to graze in the Park
32 8 March, 2007 – Meeting with Victoria Falls Municipality Gave a run down of the developmental projects Emphasized current and proposed projects, these include Sheraton site, next to Azambezi Lodge where there is a lease in the development of the hotel Proposed of the re-development of the Caravan Park into low cost Chalets The approval of the Nyaminyami Game Park between the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and Crocodile farm Proposed relocation of the horse stables next to the Crocodile Farm TM Supermarket has taken up their stand and is beginning the construction within the Victoria Falls C.B.D. Old Spray View Aerodrome is being turned into a residential area The expansion of the Victoria Falls International Airport
9 March 2007, Meeting with African Wildlife Foundation They were aware of the UNSECO mission and the trans-boundary character of the site They work in both Zimbabwe and Zambia They felt that there have been no coordinated efforts to jointly manage the falls Offered to provide services that are within AWF’s capacity such as detailed base maps of the site
9 March 2007, Meeting with Hwange Rural District Council Rafting and Hunting companies pay exit fees per visitor to council Rafting companies agreed to assist with maintenance of the Chisuma Road RDC has teamed up with other Government agencies to control stray animals Timber logging is done within state lands
9 March 2007, Meeting with Environment Africa Carried out Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) in the WHS and identified five species, of which Lantana Camara, is the most significant Currently working with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to eradicate Lantana Camara through mechanical means, and to monitor regeneration of native plant species. Establishment of an arboretum is underway in order to preserve rare and indigenous plant species in the Victoria Falls area Removal of the Lantana Camara from the Gorges is a dangerous exercise, and plans are underway to engage an expert to undertake the exercise ZIMCAMPS Association is collaborating with Environment Africa (EA) by sending volunteers from abroad to control the plant Elephant Hills Hotel has been using burning method as a control measure, but has been advised by Environment Africa (EA) against this method since it encourages spread of the Lantana Camara. Advocated a holistic approach to manage and monitor biodiversity in the area Some plant species are on the verge of extinction in the Rain-Forest Environment Africa is also involved in monitoring waste management and assessment of alternative dumping sites in Victoria Falls
9 March 2007, Meeting with Forestry Commission
Community benefits through Social Forestry programme involving free grazing, firewood permits and construction poles People poach wood for curios 33 A ban on utilization of hardwoods like Mukwa, Mutsviri, Muchibi, Mukusu for caving curios has been effected by the Forestry Commission People have turned into the use of Mubvumira trees for curving curios Contractors logging trees in the Forestry area are required to plough back into the Community through infrastructural developments, furniture for schools etc Forestry in partnership with RDC, jointly monitoring the movement of curios through a strict permitting system Wood carving exceeding 1 meter in height are no longer allowed to be exported; Relevant agencies such as AREX, EMA, ZIMRA, ZRP and Immigration Offices have been conscientised of the new system Enrichment planting to fill gaps in forest area Forest Commission set aside money to assist communities that live adjacent to the forest area
9 March 2007, Meeting with Hotel and Lodge operators
Gave a breakdown of hotel or lodge related development projects o Redevelopment of the Caravan Park o Addition of the 20 more rooms at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge o Viewing deck over the Safari Lodge Gave approximate figures to show the carrying capacity of hotels and lodges. Hotels, approximately 1200 rooms/beds; and there are approximately 30 lodges with an average of 10 rooms each Camping along the Zambezi River is now being affected by lights and noise from developments on the Zambian side Concerned about the zero development policy on the Zimbabwean side. There is need to harmonize developments on both sides because land ownership systems are different Current site of Helipad is strategic for recoveries in the case of an emergency in the Gorges Relocation of the Helipad to Chamabondo will affect tamed lions and elephants and helicopters will fly over residential areas Helicopters should move to the Airport and not to Chamabondo
Victoria Falls Stakeholders' meeting
3rd February 2007
Presentation by Chief Shana Chief Shana pointed out that there was little consultation with the traditional leadership. Pointed out that there are more consultations on the Zambian side, highlighting that in Zambia, the river is controlled by traditional leadership. Local communities need to carryout traditional rites within the park, and there is therefore need to be told how to do it. People should be allowed to carry on with these rites. There is need for proper utilization of resources on the river and also within the Park
GROUP FEEDBACK
A. Traditional Leaders
34 There is need for intensive and meaningful consultations with traditional leaders not only to be called when there are problems There is need to include traditional systems for conservation of the site. There is need to look at the cultural and archaeological sites and they should have access to these sacred places to their rites e.g. the baobab tree There is need for local communities to also benefit from the site as the current system only benefits government.
B. Tour Operators Helipad to be moved from Elephant Hills and Chemabondo. Noise pollution. There is need for limited flight levels. There should be proper designated aero planes. There should be a flight programme and helicopters should not be allowed over the town. Jet boats should not be allowed too close to the falls. There should be a stipulated distance. Broken down boats should be removed from the river as they are an eyesore. Parks while it stops unwater-worthy boats from sailing, they do not enforce the pulling out of the boats. Licensing The tent that is very close to the leap point should be removed. There should be a buffer zone for the different type of Activities. Information dissemination- this should be regulated through licensing of guides. There are trucks that are parked in front of the rainforest. The ZRP has been alerted on this issue to ensure that trucks are not parked in front of the rainforest. There is need for a designated parking place. The issue of the balloon on the Zambian side should be addressed with our counterparts
C. Hoteliers Hotels and lodges not contributing to the management of the site should be regularized Hoteliers to come up with developments that are in line with WHC regulations. Sponsorship of health programmes Involvement of head offices of hotels in the management process so that their decisions are in line with WHC requirements.
D. Government Departments Legislation there is adequate legislation to cover all aspects of the WHS. There is need for harmonization of the legislation so that it is known who runs the site. In the past there has been conflict between NMMZ and PWLA. There is need for harmonization There is need to channel resources to the management of the site e.g. police, the roads (Zambezi drive is not in a very good state), and general cleaning of the town Management roles; the roles of NMMZ and Parks in the rainforest should be clearly defined. On the river, who monitors the boats? The localization of the management committee Need for coordinated approach amongst government departments on the management issues.
E. Environmentalist Noise pollution –there is need for a deadline for the helipad Uncontrolled fires, these are very frequent There is need for control of evasive alien weeds within and without the rainforest. 35 There is need for education on water conservation. Waste-management the local authority should come up with a proper refuse management system. Hotel industry to use bio debatable material. They should not dispose anything into the river. There should be some measures to control pollution in the river There is need for participatory management systems for resources e.g. wood There should be a control of vessels in the river at any time. EIA to precede all developments in the town as prescribed in EMA. Carrying capacity of the rainforest should be determined. The number of boats on the river should be regulated.
Stakeholders’ meeting: 4th of February 2007 Mpisi Village The meeting was attended by village heads, since the word sent very late. Mr. Jura gave the opening speech introducing the concept of a WHS. He also touched on the issue of the buffer zone, and the adverse article on the Vic Falls. You should have started with the local community interviews, as they know about the site i.e. its sacredness as the people in town are only interested in business. There is a lot of cultural erosion taking place at the site. The management of the site is foreign. The communities are not benefiting from the proceeds of the site People are not allowed to carryout rites at the site. Local communities should be included in the management of the site Indigenous knowledge system should be used at the site. The problem is that there is need for people from the local communities to benefit so that they can input on the management of the site. There is need for the five chiefs in Hwange to meet so that they can chart the way forward. Ndebele came in 1955
VFAPU: 05 February 2006 Partners ZRP, Tourism police, NPWLA, - Aims at stopping poaching Activities in the Park - 5000 registered curio shops - About 85% of hard wood been cutting - Other problems Land degradation Poaching, for meat, commercial, and poverty driven Cutting of trees
Success to date 17 600 snares removed from the Vic Falls since 1999 260 poachers were arrested Apprehension of drug dealers and muggers 46 antipersonnel mines Conservation awareness and education of communities together with Environment Africa Employment creation for destitute poachers Darting of a number of animals in the national park Working with other partners towards common goals and solutions Three times winner of the
36 ANNEXURE 2: STATE OF CONSERVATION (CONDITION REPORT)
1.0 Introduction
State Party: Zimbabwe Name of the property: Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls / Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe. Latitude: 170 56” South Longitude: 250 55” East Date of inscriptionon the World Heritage List: 15/12/1989 Organization: Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority Person Responsible: Senior Warden Address: Zambezi / Vic Falls National Parks, P. Bag 5920 City Code: Victoria Falls Telephone: +263 13 44352 Fax: +263 13 44558 E-Mail: [email protected] and [email protected] Date of the report: 26 January 2007
2.0 Statement of Outstanding Universal Value The justification for inscription provided by the state parties was to the effect that “the Mosi-ao-Tunya / Victoria Falls are a natural property meeting the criteria (vii) previously criteria (iii) as a superlative natural feature and criteria (viii) previously criteria (ii) as an exceptional example of significant ongoing geological and geomorphic processes”. The state parties also further submitted a justification to the effect that the site further meets criteria (x) previously criteria (iv) as containing "the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conversation of biological diversity, including those threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation”.
In assessing the joint recommendation of the two Governments, the IUCN Committee decided that only the core features of the Victoria Falls (i.e. the Falls, Gorges and upstream Islands) were of "Universal Significance" and hence only that area was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a World Heritage Natural Site.
Criteria: (vii) Contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; (viii) Be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geomorphic or physiographic features;
The state party i.e. Zimbabwe still deems the statement of significance and the core values thereof on which the site was evaluated and inscribed as adequate. As regards delimitation of the site, the state party still considers the boundary as adequate for the protection of the core values of the site namely the islands, the falls and the gorges.
3.0 Statement of authenticity and / or integrity Since the inscription of the area as a World Heritage Site, conservation efforts have largely maintained the natural settings of the immediate falls area on the Zimbabwe side. However, the intrusive nature of customs / immigration buildings and railway line which have been in place before inscription have had a negative visual impact. Other developments related to tourism, i.e. staircase below the bridge into the Gorge and abseiling and jet boat in the gorges between rapids 1 and 4 of the site. However, these developments were undertaken after Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to ensure that mitigation measures were in place.
4.0 Management The management of the site is guided by the following legislative documents; (i) Parks and Wildlife Act - for the protection of wildlife, ecological processes and landscapes (ii) Environmental Management Act – deals with prevention of pollution, invasive alien species and enforcement of the environmental assessment policy (iii) National Museums and Monuments Act – Preservation and maintenance of cultural and natural monuments 37 (iv) Tourism Act – Sets standards to facilitate implementation of tourism activities (v) Forestry Act – Protection and management of forests (vi) Rural and Urban planning Act – Controls developments within municipal areas 4.1 Planning Control for Property I) Victoria Falls / Zambezi National Park Management Plan 2004; 2008 II) Victoria Falls Combination Master Plan III) Plans are underway to fence and restock with other extinct wildlife species IV) Victoria Falls National Park Annual strategic adaptive plans for; Monitoring of illegal activities and law enforcement; Control of invasive alien species; Fire management Control of tourist carrying capacity of the area. Control of pollution o Provision of Game Water supplies to reduce elephant pressure in the core area and its environments 4.1.1 Obstacles Lack of implementation of the recommendations of the Bi-National Sustainable Development Workshop, January 2002 (Document with recommendations on controlling developments within the core and buffer areas. The workshop also recommended development of the integrated management plan). Lack of Integrated Management Plans for the site - a plan that define acceptable limits to changes and carrying capacities to guide management. Conflict between biodiversity conservation and human needs
4.1.2 Positive developments KAZA TFCA (Kavango – Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, encompassing five countries; Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia and Botswana) - promotes integrated catchments area management focusing on maintaining integrity of ecological processes that may affect the biological hotspot. Bilateral meetings and joint operations at site level, are being periodically carried out
WORLD HERITAGE SITE ANNUAL ENTRY STATISTICS – 1995 TO 2006
CATEGORY YEAR ZIMBABWEAN NON-ZIMBABWEAN 1995 94211 178037 1996 78633 22502 1997 72941 250512 38 1998 877782 230292 1999 89506 229784 2000 51718 137159 2001 53472 136618 2002 77271 95175 2003 49888 86482 2004 52098 87481 2005 53764 108070 2006 38472 115691
Income generated directly by the management of the site is approximately USD 300 000 per month.
5.0 Human and Financial resources a) Senior Management 3 Officers Middle Management 4 Officers Support Staff 69 (Field Rangers and G/hands) b) Financial Research, protection and management financed from revenue generated from commercial activities from the Parks Estate.
5.1.1Scientific Studies and Research projects, Education and Awareness programs a) Research Impact of invasion of Lantana camara - unpublished thesis, 2004 Mapping extent of the invasive alien species and monitoring impacts on biodiversity - ongoing project Technical reviews on biological features, ecosystem processing and species groups Studies on animal movements and corridors – ongoing project Fish species inventory from source to Kariba – ongoing project Impact and incidences of uncontrolled fires – ongoing project b) Awareness programmes . Plans to revive the interpretative centre-team already appointed to conduct study. . Promotion of conservation values in schools and communities
6.0 Factors affecting the property Development pressure from new tourism activities may lead to loss of wilderness / aesthetic value. Climate Change effects - droughts affecting flow regime of the river & integrity of riparian ecology. In-fact, for example, the ecology of low lying islands in the property is maintained by seasonal flooding, leading to pre-ponderance of swamp grasses like Setaria sp, as well as reeds. Reeds form an important habitat for some bird species such as reed comorants.
As far as plant life is concerned, the property and immediate environs is a biological hotspot. There are more than 900 plant species in all, almost matching the total floral species richness of Ireland.
Of further interest, the rainforest the flora in the rainforest exhibits a high degree of endemicity, as well as rare plants such as Ground orchid (Hemanthus filiflora); Black Arum (Armophophallus abyssynica)Flame lilly (Gloriosa superba); Lobelia kirkii; Nyasae floribunda) and others belonging to the Podostemonoceae family. The preponderance of climbing lianes is also another unique feature of the area
Fluctuations in river flows have been noted since the late 1900's, with a general trend of decline in recent times. Elephant pressure: High elephant densities in the property and its environs are wrecking havoc. The Islands are especially sensitive to disturbance due to their isolation and small size. Invasions by invasive alien plant species: Lantana camara has had a negative effect on indigenous plant biodiversity as well as herbivore carrying capacity of the ecosystem. (Four other alien plant species are also establishing in the area).
39 Introductions of exotic fish species have a strong potential to affect the fish species composition of the river. Wood poaching, especially Mukwa (Pterocarpus angolensis); Leadwood (Combretum imberbe); False Marula (Kirkia acuminate) and Pod mahogany (Alfezilia quanzensis).
7.0 Monitoring of key indicators
7.1 Key indicators for measuring the state of conservation - Animal population - Spray of the Falls - Canopy cover in the Rainforest and Park - Species diversity - Soil erosion
7.2 Monitoring partners - Environment Africa - African Wildlife Foundation - African Encounter
40 ANNEXURE 3: MAPS
41 ANNEXURE 4: MEMBERS OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
1. Chabata Farai Curator of Ethnography Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences Box CY 33 Causeway Harare Phone No. +263 4 751797/8 [email protected] [email protected]
2 Chauke Chrispen Regional Director Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site Box 1060 Masvingo Phone No. +263 39 262080/265084 [email protected] [email protected]
3 Chimhanda Diana Chief Planning Officer Department of Physical Planning Box CY 968 Causeway Harare Phone No. +263 4 706258/9
4 Jura T. Senior Ecologist Victoria Falls National Park P.Bag 5920 Victoria Falls Phone No. +263 13 44566 [email protected]
5 Moyo Arnold GIS Databases Ecologist Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority P.O. Box CY 140 Causeway Harare Phone No. +263 4 707624-9 [email protected] [email protected]
6 Moyo H. Gilbert Senior Ecologist Lake Kariba Fisheries Research Institute Parks and Wildlife Management Authority P.O. Box 75 Kariba Phone No. +263 61 2936-8 42 [email protected] [email protected]
7 Mukaronda Daphine National Commission For UNESCO Box CY 7763 Causeway Harare Phone No. +263 4 728278
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