By Rosemary Kamanga
The National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) has welcomed Cabinet’s decision to declare Mutinondo Falls in Lavushimanda District, Muchinga Province, a National Monument.
NHCC Board Chairperson, Ireen Muyenga, says the decision demonstrates Government’s commitment to preserving Zambia’s natural, ecological, and scientific assets.
Ms. Muyenga explained that the declaration reflects the exceptional national value of the Mutinondo Waterfalls ecosystem and the importance of conserving the site for future generations.
In a statement to ZNBC News, she commended the Ministry of Tourism, led by Rodney Sikumba, for its continued leadership in advancing the country’s heritage conservation efforts.
She described Mutinondo Waterfalls as an ecological site of global importance, marking a unique boundary between fish species found upstream in the Muchinga Escarpment and those downstream in the Luangwa Valley.
The area is also recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, home to 758 butterfly species, 1,769 documented plant species, 123 orchid species, and about 362 bird species.
Ms. Muyenga added that the Mutinondo Waterfalls Heritage Site holds significant educational value, as it features in the national school curriculum as one of Muchinga Province’s key waterfalls.
She emphasized that the site’s recognition guarantees its protection, promotes opportunities for scientific research, and supports sustainable tourism development in the province.
Ms. Muyenga further applauded Government’s firm leadership, stating that the required conservation measures will ensure Mutinondo’s natural heritage benefits communities today and in the future.
