The Tanzanian government, represented by the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority (NCAA), has signed into an agreement with the government of China to advance the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark project.
The project, valued at Sh25 billion (approximately $9.8 million), was formalized in a signing ceremony attended by Richard Kiiza, the Conservation Commissioner of the NCAA, and Chu Kun, the acting ambassador of China to Tanzania.
Commissioner Kiiza commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts in securing Chinese support for the development of the Ngorongoro-Lengai geopark.
According to a statement released to local media, the undertaking encompasses the development of tourism infrastructure in the geopark and is expected to be completed by June 2025.
The project will entail the construction of a modern geological museum, visitor facilities in the Empakaai crater, and the restoration of ancient human footprints in Laetoli, Joshua Mwankunda, the Senior Assistant Commissioner for Conservation in charge of Cultural Heritage and Geology, revealed.
Moreover, the endeavor will incorporate the establishment of tourist viewing platforms in areas like Empakaai, Seneto, and Oldoinyo Lengai.
"Additionally, there will be a dedicated facility for research and tourism, allowing visitors to explore the ancient footprints in Laetoli. Infrastructure will also be established to offer insightful interpretations of geological tourism resources at approximately 100 sites," Mwankunda said.
Mwankunda emphasized that the enhanced infrastructure will enrich tourism offerings and prolong tourists' stays in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, spanning the Monduli and Karatu districts in the Arusha region of Tanzania.
Ngorongoro-Lengai, a UNESCO Global Geopark, is celebrated for its exceptional geological, paleontological, and ecological assets, including the unique Oldoinyo Lengai volcano, the Olduvai Gorge (home to some of the most important human ancestor artifacts), the Laetoli footprints, and the Ngorongoro Crater. It stands as a beacon of rock and landscape tourism, drawing significant interest from global visitors.