Zimbabwe/Zambia: Victoria Falls
Score: 57

"The long-term sustainability of these falls depends on the political situation" in Zimbabwe. "Uncontrolled tourism development is currently evident on Zambia side." The cascades themselves are "astonishing."

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"The falls themselves remain the world-class feature that they have always been, but encroaching development pressures are starting to have a negative impact."

"Great ecological qualities, friendly folks, wonderful cultural opportunities. Not much 'built' heritage. Tourism development is limited, but growing. Lots of authentic appeal. Local folks are benefiting from tourism's diversion to the Zambia side."

"It's a mess, and someone has to clean it up."

"Victoria Falls is in a World Heritage site, and is a national park. Its environmental and ecological integrity is intact but under threat from tourism pressure. The management authority lacks resources."

"Tourism infrastructure caters mostly to top-end foreign tourists. Middle-class tourism facilities are needed in the region to get Africans to tour and experience their own splendor. The local economy is not benefiting."

"The Zimbabwe side of the Falls is suffering from unplanned tourism development, driven in part by the political situation and in part by the belief that there are huge profits to be made. The parameters of any planning initiatives are being ignored, with the result that there is a risk that the Falls will become overtraded."

"Must be seen in context of current political problems, which have devastated tourism. While Victoria Falls has a master plan for its tourism development, earlier development was not too well planned, and some designs were not appropriate. Ability to re-establish tourism and foster sustainability is currently compromised."