Zambia Submits Barotse Plains for UNESCO Listing

By Mwila Nsofu

Zambia has formally submitted the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination dossier to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for inscription on the prestigious World Heritage List.

Speaking during the ceremony at UNESCO in Paris, France, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Zambia, CHRISSY HILWEELE, expressed appreciation to the Barotse Royal Establishment and the Ministry of Tourism, through the National Heritage Conservation Commission, for spearheading the nomination process.

Mr. HILWEELE also thanked UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, the African World Heritage Fund, and the World Wide Fund for Nature for their invaluable support.

The nomination of the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape is of strategic importance to Zambia, as it will strengthen the country’s presence on the World Heritage List and showcase the Lozi cultural heritage and ecological significance on the international stage.

This nomination will enhance conservation efforts, ensuring the sustainable protection of Lozi cultural traditions, floodplain management practices, and the region’s unique ecological systems.

Once inscribed, the World Heritage Status of the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape will attract international tourism and funding, creating opportunities for local communities and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

Additionally, the successful inscription of the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape would contribute to improving Africa’s representation on the World Heritage List, ensuring greater recognition of the continent’s unique cultural landscapes.

The Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape was first placed on Zambia’s Tentative List in 2009, signaling the country’s intention to secure its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by First Secretary, Press at the Zambian Embassy in Paris, France, NAOMI MWEEMBA.