Geopark's new looks embody China-Tanzania friendship

In the vast volcanic plateau in northern Tanzania lies Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark, the country's first global geopark recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Several years ago, the geopark faced major operational and management challenges and was at risk of losing its designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark. China reached out a helping hand. In October 2025, the China-aided Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark upgrading project was handed over to Tanzania and put into operation. The project has significantly enhanced the protection and management capacity of the park and helped it regain UNESCO's "Green Card". Tanzania also benefited from the assistance because it could use geopark resources to carry out scientific research and attract tourists.

Passing reevaluation

Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark is the only geopark in Sub-Sahara Africa and is one of only two global geoparks in Africa. Well-known for its unique geological features, ecological views and valuable historical sites, it was included in the World Heritage List in 1979 and became the country's first world natural and cultural heritage in 2010.

However, due to inadequate supporting facilities, insufficient information display and scarce funds, UNESCO issued a "Yellow Card" warning to the park in 2022. According to relevant regulations, the park would have its status revoked if it receives another "Yellow Card" in the next evaluation in 2024.

In June 2023, China formally launched its assistance project for the park.

"We have only a year and a half to finish the job," said Zhong Anbing, the project leader. "A tight schedule, plus heavy workload, placed stringent requirements on project implementation."

According to Zhong, the Tianjin Center of the China Geological Survey conducted a systematic survey on various landscapes within the geopark, and based on that, designed four sightseeing routes and the museum's exhibition layout. He also said that China Railway 25th Bureau Group Corporation Limited installed 160 directional and safety signs and 120 interpretive panels at the park, while building the museum, protective facilities for a cultural relic site, a science popularization trail and three viewing platforms.

"This is the first time China has launched international assistance for a geopark, and we are essentially 'feeling our way across the river'," said Ren Junping, director of the Southern Africa Geological Survey Cooperation Center at the Tianjin Center.

Applying domestic experience in geopark construction and operation, the Chinese team worked closely and overcame diverse difficulties to ensure the steady progress of the project.

In December 2024, the Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark passed the reevaluation and was granted a "Green Card" at the second meeting of the 9th UNESCO Global Geoparks Council.

"This achievement breathed new life into the park, demonstrating international recognition of China's strong capabilities in geological survey and infrastructure construction," Zhong said.

Innovative display

Now the iconic museum is the first stop for visitors who come to the geopark. It covers an area of 4,500 square meters, with a floor area of 1,200 square meters.

Its facade is inspired by Tanzanian thatched huts, and the design of the central courtyard and surrounding gallery draw on the circular structure of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at Beijing's Temple of Heaven and Fujian province's Tulou, a traditional Chinese communal earthen building.

The museum has four exhibition halls respectively related to geology, ecology, humanities and development, with exhibits displayed in a range of innovative ways.

"At the museum, visitors can experience digital displays and interactive devices, immersing themselves in the geological and ecological knowledge of the geopark," said Ren.

"There was no museum in this geopark in the past, but now the museum has become a landmark, helping people better learn about how human activities and geological movements influenced the local ecological system millions of years ago," Peter Francis, a guide at the park, said.

Driving local growth

Standing at a viewing platform at the geopark, visitors can catch a distant glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater. An introduction panel was installed beside the platform, with information about the geopark and crater written in Swahili, English and Chinese.

Francis started his guide career in the Ngorongoro Crater in 2002, so he witnessed the changes brought by the China-aided project.

"Previously, there was no viewing platforms in the vicinity of the crater. Now people can enjoy a beautiful scene here, take some photos and gain a happy experience," he said.

More than 1,000 local residents were hired in the project. Chinese and Tanzanian staff learned each other's languages and cultures through mentorship and night school programs while working side by side. Tanzanian staff also became more professional in geological knowledge, engineering techniques and visitor services management. Today, many of them still hold their positions to guide tourists and do maintenance work.

"The upgraded geopark will attract more tourists, thus boosting the prosperity of local tourism. It will also provide an impulse to the Tanzanian geological research and science popularization," Pindi Chana, then Tanzanian minister of natural resources and tourism, said at the handover ceremony of the China-aided project.