The Board of Directors of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has inspected ongoing tourism infrastructure projects at the Laetoli Footprints site, as the authority steps up efforts to improve visitor facilities while safeguarding one of the world's most important archaeological heritage sites.
The inspection, conducted on July 11 and led by the board's vice chairperson, Dr Harriet Mtae, focused on the conservation of the Laetoli Footprints estimated to be more than 3.6 million years old and widely regarded as among the earliest known evidence of human ancestors walking upright.
Board members also reviewed progress on the Laetoli Geopark project, which includes the construction of a visitor reception centre, visitor rest facilities, a protective structure for preserving the footprints and other supporting infrastructure aimed at improving the tourism experience.
NCAA Deputy Commissioner for Conservation, Tourism and Community Development Joas Makwati said the visit was intended to assess the implementation of projects designed to strengthen conservation, improve tourism services and increase visitor numbers to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
"The projects are part of the authority's broader strategy to protect the site's unique heritage while enhancing the quality of services offered to tourists," he said.
The board also received a progress report on the implementation of the projects and discussed plans for further improvements to conservation activities and tourism infrastructure.
Dr Mtae said continued investment in tourism infrastructure would help preserve the site's global heritage value while making it more accessible to visitors.
She noted that the improvements are expected to enhance the appeal of the Laetoli Footprints, attract more tourists and reinforce the Ngorongoro Conservation Area's position as one of Tanzania's flagship tourism destinations.
