Govt. calls for listing of more cultural heritage sites

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Govt. calls for listing of more cultural heritage sites

Lusaka, April 2, ZANIS—Government  has called for the listing of more cultural heritage sites on the World Heritage List for the country to reap maximum benefits from its heritage properties.

 

Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo said it is sad that despite the country being endowed with rich and diverse heritage, Zambia has had no new adoptions on the World Heritage List since the inscription of the Victoria Falls in 1989.

 

The Minister said this when she officially opened the National World Heritage Committee familiarisation workshop in Lusaka today.

 

She said it is surprising that South Africa which ratified the world heritage convention ten years after Zambia joined the international community boost of more heritage sites on the world heritage list having eight to Zambia’s one.

 

The Minister said the management of heritage is an important tool for the promotion of sustainable development and poverty alleviation.

 

She said the world heritage status can make a distinct and valuable contribution to sustainable development in the country.

 

Prof. Luo urged the committee to work hard and ensure that more sites of outstanding cultural or natural significance are added to the world heritage list.

 

She further stated that there is need to sensitise local communities on the importance and value of heritage sites for effective preservation of heritage sites.

 

And the Minister said there is need to harness natural resources the country is endowed with in order to fight poverty and underdevelopment in the country.

 

Professor Luo said it is unfortunate that poverty in the country remains rife despite the country being rich in natural resources.

   

She said there is need for Zambians to break the syndrome of thinking that the only way the country can develop is to bring in foreign investment, saying the nation must harness local resources for its own benefit.

 

Speaking earlier, National Heritage Conservation Commission Executive Director Collins Chipote disclosed that the commission has submitted the Barotse Cultural Landscape for adoption on the world heritage list.

 

Mr Chipote said the country cannot remain behind when other state parties are making strides to have their cultural properties inscribed on the World Heritage list.

 

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