By Alfred Zacharia
A team of UNESCO experts, who
arrived in Tanzania earlier this week, concluded their revalidation visit of
the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO Global Geopark on July 25, 2024. The visit ended
with a final meeting that included the management of the Ngorongoro
Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), a UNESCO representative, NATCOM Tanzania,
and representatives from Karatu and Monduli districts in Arusha.
During their visit, the experts
toured various significant sites both within and around the Ngorongoro
Conservation Area. These included the construction site of the
Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark Museum, the Laetoli footprints site, the Olduvai
Museum, the Olduvai Gorge, and the shifting sands. They also engaged with the
Iraqw, Hadzabe, and Datoga communities living near Lake Eyasi in the Karatu
District.
The delegation visited Tumaini Junior Pre and Primary School and Father Lieberman Pre and Primary School in Karatu to observe activities related to hunting, blacksmithing, cultural heritage, and environmental conservation undertaken by students and local tribes. These visits aimed to assess how the geopark engages local communities in preserving their cultural heritage and surrounding environment.
In addition, the experts, who
specialize in geological and archaeological tourism, explored the Ngorongoro
Crater to observe various geological features and visited Laetoli to study the
layers preserving the history of ancient animals and humans who lived
approximately 3.6 million years ago. They also reviewed the Tanzanian
government's efforts, through the NCAA, to preserve this invaluable heritage.
Dr. Elirehema Doriye, the NCAA
Commissioner, assured the experts that the authority remains committed to
preserving, protecting, and promoting the area according to UNESCO guidelines.
He emphasized the ongoing efforts to maintain the status of the Ngorongoro
Lengai UNESCO Global Geopark, which distinguishes Tanzania as the second
African country after Morocco to have such a designation.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are
rigorously evaluated every four years to ensure they meet established criteria
through various activities conducted in the areas. This thorough revalidation
process is crucial for maintaining the quality and effectiveness of these
parks.
