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Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls rainforest is slowly dying
Environment Africa
September 2003

A study by a local NGO, Environment Africa has revealed that the lush rainforest, a center of attraction for tourists in Victoria Falls, is fast losing its biodiversity because of the spreading alien plant species, Lantana Camara commonly known as Cherry Pie or Tick Berry.

Environment Africa in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Zimbabwe Wildlife Authority have launched a campaign to save the rainforest and surrounding areas by removing the fast encroaching shrub.

Nhamo Chuma, the branch manager for Environment Africa in Victoria Falls explained

that the Environment Africa commissioned a study in June 2003. A specialist, Mr. Tom Muller, conducted the study. The study looked at three areas: the Rainforest, he also looked at the riverside forest along the Zambezi River. From his study we discovered that Lantana Camara is spreading very fast particularly in the last 10 years. He also identified four other invasive species that are destroying trees in the rainforest in Victoria Falls. The area which is most affected by the spread of the Lantana Camara is the area along the VIP parking in Victoria Falls, along the Zambezi River upstream all the way up to the Victoria Falls Boat Club. The area below rapid number 1 all the way to rapid 6 is all infested with Lantana Camara.

Mr. Chuma said last October EA carried out a situational analysis of the rainforest when its was discovered that creepers and climbers were bringing down trees. In areas where Lantana Camara was growing it was discovered that the local indigenous tree species were being pushed away. As a result they stopped propagating and Lantana Camara was taking over.

"We are afraid that the unique ecosystem that is found in Victoria Falls will be wiped out due to the aggressive growth of the Lantana Camara,"Chuma said.

EA has identified three methods to eradicate Lantana Camara. There is the physical way of removing the weed and the mechanical way. Chemicals like Round Up can also be used. Because the rainforest is humid, the use of the chemical method as an option has been discounraged as the impact is not known.

"At the moment we want to focus on the mechanical method. We want to hire people to remove Lantana Camara over a period of one week. But after the 27th of September we would like companies to adopt areas they are going to maintain over a long period of time," he said.

A Zimbabwe Tourism Authority representative, Pauline Ndlovu, said her organisation was also involved in a campaign to eradicate Lantana Camara.

"As a community that benefits directly from the Victoria Falls, which is a natural wonder, we decided to focus on how we can keep the heritage as natural as possible. As Mr. Chuma has already said that the Lantana Camara is threatening the Rainforest, as a community that benefits from tourism we need tourists," said Ndlovu.

Every year Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Tourism Day and the Clean Up campaign. This year's theme is Tourism A Driving Force for poverty alleviation, job creation and social harmony, while for the Clean Up Campaign it is One World, One Ecosystem, and One Humanity.

"As a small community in Victoria Falls we decided to join these two events and have our Clean Up week starting from the 22nd ending up on the 28th of September which is World Tourism Day," Ndlovu said, adding "The World Tourism Day is to foster awareness among communities on the impact of tourism, its cultural, social, economic and political values."

Ndlovu said the failure to keep the rainforest as natural will result in less tourist coming to see the Falls. Therefore, it was important that operators should participate in this year's eradication of the Lantana Camara which should be an on going process.

On the 22nd of September about 40 people will be eradicating the Lantana and on the 27th of September there will have a parade on World Tourism Day bringing communities and the corporate sector together. Besides, a World Tourism Day exhibition is to be held at the Rainforest car park where operators can exhibit their products to the tourists.
Please send your emails and comments to: eafrica.vicfalls@utande.co.zw

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