Zambia Nominates Barotse Plains for UNESCO World Heritage Status
Zambia has officially submitted the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape nomination dossier to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, marking a significant step toward securing its place on the prestigious World Heritage List.
The submission ceremony took place in Paris, France, with Mr. Chrissy Hilweele, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Zambia, acknowledging the efforts of the Barotse Royal Establishment, the Ministry of Tourism, and the National Heritage Conservation Commission in leading the process.
He also expressed gratitude for the support of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, the African World Heritage Fund, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
The Barotse Plains, located in Zambia’s Western Province, hold immense cultural and ecological significance. The landscape showcases the rich heritage of the Lozi people, their traditional floodplain management systems, and the unique biodiversity of the Zambezi floodplains. If granted World Heritage status, the site will benefit from enhanced conservation efforts, sustainable development initiatives, and international recognition.
Zambia’s nomination aligns with the country’s growing leadership in global heritage conservation. This year, Zambia is set to chair the UNESCO Africa Group 5a and serve as Vice Chair of the Bureau at the 47th World Heritage Committee session in Sofia, Bulgaria, in July 2025.
First placed on Zambia’s Tentative List in 2009, the Barotse Plains nomination has been refined over the years to meet UNESCO’s recommendations, with a strong focus on community engagement, boundary definition, and sustainable development strategies. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is expected to evaluate the site, with a final decision anticipated in 2026.
If successful, the Barotse Plains will become Zambia’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls. The designation is expected to boost Zambia’s tourism industry, attracting international visitors, investment, and economic growth. The government projects increased demand for accommodation, guided tours, and cultural experiences, which will create jobs and business opportunities for local communities.
The nomination also places a spotlight on the Lozi people’s cultural traditions, including the famous Kuomboka Ceremony, which could gain further international recognition. Additionally, the status would open doors to global conservation funding and sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at preserving the site’s natural and cultural integrity.
With Zambia already established as a premier safari and adventure tourism destination, the addition of the Barotse Plains as a UNESCO site would further solidify the country’s position as a key player in cultural heritage tourism.
As Zambia awaits UNESCO’s decision, the Ministry of Tourism remains optimistic that the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape will receive the recognition it deserves, not only strengthening Zambia’s tourism sector but also contributing to Africa’s presence on the World Heritage List.
