Chinese Aid Revitalizes Tanzania’s Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark

A significant revival of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro-Lengai Global Geopark is underway, facilitated by Chinese support. The initiative aims to enhance the park’s infrastructure and boost its appeal as a global tourist destination. This project is particularly notable as it marks the first geopark developed with aid from China, showcasing a commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development.

In September 2023, a group of over 50 climbers, consisting of both Chinese and Tanzanian nationals, embarked on a challenging ascent of the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. This effort was part of a comprehensive geoheritage survey aimed at documenting the park’s unique geological features. The team climbed for more than seven hours, navigating steep inclines and extreme conditions to gather crucial data before daylight transformed the vibrant molten lava into a less striking gray.

Located in Arusha, Tanzania, the Ngorongoro-Lengai Global Geopark spans approximately 12,000 square kilometers and includes significant geological sites such as the Ngorongoro Crater and the Olduvai Gorge. Despite receiving UNESCO designation in 2018, the park faced challenges due to inadequate infrastructure and visitor information, leading to a warning from UNESCO in 2022. In response, the Chinese government stepped in to support the park’s revitalization, with a project formally launched during Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan‘s visit to China in November 2022.

The project, supported by the Agency for International Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce and the China Geological Survey, focuses on improving both technical and physical infrastructure. Ren Junping, director of the Southern Africa Geological Survey Cooperation Center of the Tianjin Center, emphasized the project’s comprehensive approach, which includes planning, implementation, and construction.

Over the past year, the project team conducted an extensive investigation of the geopark’s geological heritage, assessing vital resources, geological sites, and groundwater sources. This foundational work aims to inform spatial planning and enhance visitor engagement. Project member Sun Kai noted the complexity involved, highlighting the need for exceptional capabilities that extend beyond domestic geological work.

The team’s efforts have resulted in the establishment of nearly 300 informational signs throughout the park, available in English, Swahili, and Chinese. A field interpretation system has also been developed, providing multilingual resources to enhance visitor understanding of the area’s geological significance.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the project emphasizes collaboration with local communities. The team has organized training programs for residents, equipping them with knowledge about the park’s geological features and disaster monitoring equipment. This initiative aims to empower the local population while promoting sustainable tourism.

As a testament to the project’s success, UNESCO revalidated the Ngorongoro-Lengai Global Geopark in December 2024, confirming its status as a vital site for both ecological preservation and cultural exchange. Zhang Jianping, vice-president of the Global Geoparks Network, highlighted the importance of this project in enhancing local infrastructure and economic opportunities.

The park also serves as a habitat for around 300,000 wild animals, including elephants, lions, and zebras. This biodiversity underscores the significance of conservation efforts within the geopark. Team member Wu Xingyuan recounted experiences of encountering wildlife during their work, emphasizing the need for safety measures to protect both workers and animals.

Looking forward, the Ngorongoro-Lengai Global Geopark stands as a remarkable example of international cooperation, blending ecological preservation with cultural heritage and community involvement. The project is projected to reach completion by November 2025, further solidifying its role as a critical site for tourism and research in Sub-Saharan Africa.