Abstract:
Cultural heritage stands as a vital driver for sustainable development in the 21st century,
embodying historical, symbolic and socio-economic values. This literature review scrutinises
the Territorial Development Plan for the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site Area, examining
the convergence of heritage conservation and local socio-economic development. Through an
extensive review of literature from diverse sources, including books, journals, Google Scholar
and government policy documents, this study employs textual analysis to elucidate the
relationship between heritage policies and urban planning. The analysis reveals a paradigm
shift in recognising heritage as a key contributor to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and
a catalyst for sustainable economic progress. The study highlights the necessity of addressing
legal gaps and ambiguities to safeguard tangible and intangible aspects of Zimbabwe's cultural
legacy. It draws valuable lessons from global, regional and local perspectives, emphasising the
integration of heritage policies into urban planning as crucial for fostering global resilience and
sustainable development. Major recommendations include collaborative efforts on local,
national and international fronts to integrate heritage policies into urban planning, ensuring
equitable growth and preservation of cultural identity. The conclusion underscores the intricate
relationship between cultural preservation and sustainable development, advocating a holistic
and inclusive approach.
