Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango inaugurated the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark on Thursday, marking a milestone in Sino-African collaboration. The facility – developed with technical and financial support from the Chinese mainland – aims to advance geological studies, preserve cultural heritage, and boost sustainable tourism in northern Tanzania.
Located within the UNESCO-protected Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the geopark features interactive exhibits on volcanic landscapes and early human evolution. Mpango emphasized its role in 'bridging scientific discovery with community empowerment' during his speech delivered on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The project aligns with China's broader engagement in African infrastructure development, with Beijing having supported over 50 cultural preservation initiatives across the continent since 2018. Analysts note the geopark could attract both academic researchers and eco-tourists, potentially increasing regional tourism revenue by 20% within three years.
