Development Projects and Heritage Management in Zimbabwe

The validity of the statement that "Effective heritage management is mostly affected by development projects," can be evaluated from different perspectives. This is supported by various case studies in Zimbabwe and scholarly works that highlight the dynamic interplay between heritage management and development projects. Development projects have a considerable impact on effective heritage management, but this can be both positive and negative. For example, the expansion of infrastructure can endanger heritage sites, while careful planning can also promote heritage conservation. Professor Webber Ndoro, Director of the African World Heritage Fund, has explored these subjects through various projects in Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa. One significant example is the case of the Great Zimbabwe National Monument. Besides being a World Heritage Site, it is a national park attracting a significant number of tourists, contributing significantly to Zimbabwe's economy. Despite this, destructive mining development projects in the surrounding area pose a considerable risk to the monument. Ndoro (1997) notes that these projects can adversely impact the physical state of heritage sites and the intangible cultural aspects that are attached to them. This demonstrates how development projects can negatively impact heritage management. On the other hand, development projects can also positively impact heritage management. For instance, the Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks in Zimbabwe have benefited from tourism development projects that are integrated into heritage management plans. These projects have promoted conservation efforts, education, community involvement, and local development in the area (Ndoro and Pwiti, 2001). Moreover, scholars like Innocent Pikirayi argue that the integration of Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) into development projects early on can ensure better heritage conservation. He used the construction of the Tokwe-Mukorsi Dam, in which early implementation of the HIA contributed to mitigating damage to heritage sites (Pikirayi, 2013). However, it should be noted that while development projects can have a significant impact, heritage management also depends on other factors like political, socio-economic conditions, and community participation. Scholars like Ndoro argue that these aspects are vital in heritage conservation, and they should not be ignored. In conclusion, development projects significantly impact heritage management in Zimbabwe, but this is influenced by other factors. For effective heritage management, a balance must be maintained where cultural heritage is conserved while acknowledging the necessity for development. It is therefore important to adopt a sustainable approach that integrates heritage conservation into development projects from the planning stage.