Victoria Falls Under Threat as Activists Warn of Environmental Crisis

To the Tonga people, it is Mosi-oa-Tunya — “the smoke that thunders.” To the world, Victoria Falls stands as one of the Seven Natural Wonders and a pillar of Zimbabwe’s tourism economy.

But the iconic site is now at the centre of mounting environmental concern, with activists warning that unchecked development and climate change are eroding its fragile ecosystem. A new report by Keep Victoria Falls Wild (KVFW) claims the UNESCO World Heritage Committee-listed Victoria Falls–Mosi-oa-Tunya World Heritage Site is “crumbling” under pressure from illegal tourism infrastructure.

According to KVFW, official submissions by Zimbabwe and Zambia under the Joint Integrated Management Plans (JIMP) contain “gross inaccuracies,” including unclear maps that obscure protected boundaries. This, the report argues, has enabled developers to construct permanent structures in ecologically sensitive zones. Under UNESCO guidelines, the High Ecological Sensitivity Zone (HESZ), also known as the “Red Zone,” is strictly off-limits to infrastructure. This includes the falls, rainforest, and riverbank ecosystems along the Zambezi River.

However, KVFW says developments such as a restaurant and a proposed lodge near Elephant Hills fall within this restricted area, potentially violating conservation laws.

“Allowing such structures undermines the site’s World Heritage status,” the group warned, calling for demolition of illegal developments.

Environmental experts say the impact is already visible. The rainforest surrounding the falls, sustained by constant mist, is under pressure from land clearing linked to lodges, golf courses, and tourism infrastructure.

“Soil erosion is increasing along the Zimbabwean bank, leading to sediment build-up in the gorge,” said an environmental researcher familiar with the findings. “The forest is failing to regenerate at its natural rate.”

Dense vegetation is reportedly being replaced by sparse bush, threatening biodiversity and wildlife habitats in one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems.

The crisis is being worsened by climate variability. Flows along the Zambezi River have become increasingly unpredictable, ranging from about 3,000 cubic metres per second in peak periods to as low as 300 during dry spells. During the 2019 drought, water levels dropped dramatically, exposing rock faces and reducing sections of the falls to a trickle, a stark warning of what prolonged climate stress could bring. Reduced water flow directly affects the rainforest ecosystem, which depends on the spray from the falls. As moisture declines, vegetation dries out, placing plant and animal species at risk.

Concerns are also mounting over urban expansion. The Victoria Falls Council Master Plan 2024 proposes increasing the town’s footprint from 22 square kilometres to 244, potentially encroaching on protected areas such as Victoria Falls National Park and Zambezi National Park. KVFW warns that such expansion could undermine the tourism industry itself if it compromises the natural environment that draws visitors.

In August 2025, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee expressed “serious concerns” over delayed reporting and inadequate disclosure of developments within sensitive zones by both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Further scrutiny surrounds the proposed Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric Scheme, which could significantly alter the gorge’s natural structure by raising water levels.

UNESCO has called for an updated management plan with clear safeguards to protect the site’s “outstanding universal value.”

Conservationists are urging authorities to enforce stricter protections, remove illegal structures, and prioritise environmental preservation over short-term economic gains.

“Victoria Falls is not just a national asset, it is a global heritage site,” said a conservation expert. “Its protection requires urgent, coordinated action.”

As pressure mounts, the future of one of Africa’s most iconic landmarks hangs in the balance with growing fears that the “smoke that thunders” could one day fall silent.

Victoria Falls environmental threat