The World Heritage status of Victoria Falls could be threatened by the development of tourist lodges near the landmark on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River.

World Heritage Center Deputy Director Kishora Rao flew into the region from Paris this week after being asked by the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organization, or UNESCO, and World Conservation Union officials, to investigate the matter.

The head of the World Heritage Center’s African section, Elizabeth Wangari, said she was confident that Zambia would cooperate in the preservation of Victoria Falls.

Wangari told reporter Patience Rusere of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that a decision in the matter will only come in June of next year.

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