The Ngorongoro–Lengai Geopark Project, Tanzania’s first UNESCO Global Geopark and the first geopark funded by China’s foreign aid, was officially handed over on October 16 (local time).
The project was constructed by the China Railway 25th Bureau Group Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited. Spanning 6,000 square kilometers, the geopark is renowned for its unique geological features, ecological landscapes, and valuable archaeological heritage.
The project included the development of a geopark museum, protective facilities for the Laetoli hominid site, and science trails, viewing platforms, and research route signage systems.
A view of the Ngorongoro–Lengai Geopark Museum [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The geopark’s landmark building — the museum — covers an area of 4,500 square meters with a total floor space of 1,200 square meters. Its design draws inspiration from Mount Lengai and integrates elements from China’s Fujian Tulou circular dwellings and the inner corridors of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, while featuring traditional African tribal motifs. This fusion of styles embodies the deep cultural connection between China and Africa.
In line with green development principles, the project adopted photovoltaic power generation, high-performance insulation materials, and other sustainable technologies to achieve harmony between architecture and nature.
As a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Africa Green Development Cooperation Plan, the geopark will serve as a platform for geological heritage conservation and science education. It is expected to boost Tanzania’s geological research and tourism development, contribute to the country’s poverty reduction strategy, and advance the implementation of the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
