Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango on Thursday officially inaugurated the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark, a modern facility built with Chinese assistance to promote geological research, heritage conservation, and tourism development.

Speaking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mpango expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for its continued support in developing Tanzania's infrastructure, including the new museum located within the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Mpango noted that the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark, designated by UNESCO in 2018, is the only geopark south of the Sahara and the second on the African continent.

He described the construction, which received both technical assistance from the Tianjin Center, China Geological Survey, and physical infrastructure from the China Railway 25th Bureau Group, as a national treasure and a symbol of enduring Tanzania-China friendship.

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian noted that the facility is designed to enhance heritage preservation, geological research, and sustainable tourism in the globally renowned conservation area.

Chen said the 32-billion-Tanzanian-shilling (about $13-million) project marks China's first overseas culture and tourism aid initiative, signed in Beijing by the presidents of both countries.

"It aims to strengthen the conservation and management of the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark, advance geological research, and support Tanzania's rapidly growing tourism sector," Chen said.

The new complex features modern exhibition halls, a theater, a cultural square and scientific learning spaces, said Chen, adding that the initiative provides a platform for research, education and cultural exchange, while promoting sustainable tourism.

She noted that China remains a committed partner in Tanzania's economic and social development.

In 2024, Chinese tourist arrivals in Tanzania rose by 56.5 percent to 71,000, with destinations such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire gaining popularity among Chinese travelers, said the Chinese envoy.

Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Pindi Chana said the project opens new opportunities, including the development of geotourism and the promotion of science and environment-based tourism.

"We believe this museum will increase both domestic and international tourist numbers, serve as a hub for national and international research, provide geological and historical education, and stand as a model for education and conservation-driven tourism," Chana said.

(Cover: A view of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, August 19, 2009. /VCG)