Heritage management in developing countries

The claim that "Effective heritage management is predominantly influenced by development projects" is fairly valid, especially when considering Zimbabwe's scenario. Development projects can either have a positive or a negative impact on heritage management. To support this, one can look at the example of the Victoria Falls, a world heritage site in Zimbabwe known for its stunning scenic beauty. It reflects the complex and delicate balance that exists between heritage management and development projects. Tourism development projects around Victoria Falls have brought socio-economic boost where local communities have benefited from these ventures through job creations and improved infrastructure. These in turn indirectly impact heritage management positively because of enhanced awareness, protection and resources that could be devoted to the preservation and management of these heritage sites. However, excessive tourism development without careful planning has also led to environmental degradation, pollution of the Zambezi River and increased human-wildlife conflict, impacting the integrity of the site. The constructions of hotels, lodges, and other tourist facilities often necessitate deforestation and disruption of ecosystems. These significant detrimental effects of development projects on heritage sites highlight their role in heritage management, further supporting the notion that effective heritage management is hugely affected by developmental projects. In another example, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, an ancient city in the country’s south-eastern hills which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplifies the negative impact of improper developmental plans. The improper preservation efforts in the past due to lack of resources and poor developmental strategies resulted in the decay and destruction of some of the ruins which are central to Zimbabwe's national identity and cultural heritage. Therefore, with the evidence of Zimbabwe's heritage sites, it's evident that development projects significantly impact effective heritage management. The impact can either be positive or negative, depending on how properly these development projects are planned and implemented, and whether they can strike a balance between development and conservation. The need for sustainable development for effective heritage management is, thus, crucial.