The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), together with the Global Geoparks Network (GGN), has recognized Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater for its outstanding conservation efforts.
The crater, located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, was praised for its effective wildlife protection, ecosystem management, and control of invasive species, making it one of the safest and most well-preserved sites of its kind.
The announcement was made during the 11th UNESCO Global Geoparks Conference, held from September 8–12, 2025, in Araucania, Chile.
The event brought together geoparks from across the world, with Ngorongoro participating as one of the highlighted sites.
Tanzania used the platform to share experiences in managing and developing the Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark, which is the only geopark south of the Sahara and the second in Africa, following Morocco’s M’Goun Geopark.
The Tanzanian delegation included Dr. Agnes Gidna, Chief Conservation Officer and Cultural Heritage Specialist, who shared insights on running and preserving the geopark.
Community Development Officer Lightness Kiyambile also highlighted the important role local communities play and the benefits they gain from the presence of the geopark.
Ngorongoro was officially designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018. During the conference, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) encouraged other countries to follow its example, reinforcing its status as a leading model of sustainable conservation in Africa.