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Controversy over development near Victoria Falls
Environmentalists are complaining that the tour company Shearwater Adventures has violated national and international law by expanding their luxury resort into the rainforest near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Shearwater has constructed a new restaurant, bar, kitchen, and information center next to the public entrance to the World Heritage Site. A lawyer for Shearwater insists the development is a legal replacement of earlier structures that had fallen into disrepair and that none of the new buildings go outside the area already reserved for facilities. Opponents to the construction contend that the buildings are on a much larger scale than the previous ones and are forbidden by a 2007 moratorium. This was put in place after UNESCO threaten to rescind Victoria Falls' World Heritage status after a local businessman tried to build a hotel and golf course in the World Heritage zone.
Without being on the ground it's hard to say if who's telling the truth here. Last week The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe ordered that no new construction take place. It is now running the site along with the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, which used to have sole authority. The government is currently trying to decide which body will run the Falls.
As this shakeup is going on, conservationists say Shearwater is planning a giant $6 million development next to the VIP entrance to the Falls. This will include a complex of buildings close enough to the Falls to threaten its World Heritage status. There's also worry about the development's location only a few yards from the Zambezi River.
[Photo courtesy user colmdc via Gadling's flickr pool]
Filed under: Business, Africa, Zimbabwe, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick Nov 13th 2010 12:14PM
I'd hope that tourists start voting with their pockets by not giving any business to these expensive resorts that violate local environmental and/or social regulations. A lot of similar incidents happen worldwide everyday, especially in Asia and Africa. While progressive travel blogs such as yours profile new hotels everyday on your website, it should also be your priority to call out on businesses that are detrimental to the environment. Keep up with the good work!
craig zabransky Nov 15th 2010 10:28AM
I just visited Victoria falls in May. I don't recall any construction when entering the park. All I do remember is how simply amazing it was. The rainforest is created by the mist of the falls - incredible.
But I can tell you, that with extremely high unemployment in Zimbabwe and with the Vic Falls one of the countries primary revenue centers, it would not surprise me if expansion is planned.
stay adventurous, Craig
trevor Oct 28th 2011 7:43AM
UNESCO should pettition for the removal of that structure,or even the cancellation of the Share water operaters license, as it is environmental unfriendly, to put such a structure very close to the forest, the pollution levels will increase greatly amongst other things. Hotels and resorts should be allocated land within the town of the Vic.Falls as there is plenty land there.... please leave the forest alone .......
Nash Govani Mar 12th 2013 4:30AM
Some three-star hotels are offering cheap accommodation London and changing guests mind about hotels near Victoria. Guests are finding cheap London hotels that are within walking distance of a number of London attractions and also London train stations. There are several hotels near Victoria which offer cheaper transportation to London Eye, the National Gallery and London’s Kensington Gardens and even Hyde Park corner.
Less than 15 minutes, there are several walking tours tourists and regulars can take near Victoria Station. For only about $10, guests can buy a walking tour ticket. For those who like to see attractions near cheap London hotels, this is cheap entertainment for any traveller. Saving on cheap accommodation London has its advantages.