The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, today, 16th October 2025, officially inaugurated the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geological Heritage Museum (Urithi Geo Museum) in Karatu, Arusha Region. The project was handed over to the Government of Tanzania by the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

The project, valued at Tanzania Shillings 32 billion, was a grant from the Chinese Government aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure, constructing a state-of-the-art geological museum, and promoting conservation activities within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and other parts of the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark Development Project.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mpango noted that Tanzania, through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, was designated as a Geopark in 2018 the only one in Sub-Saharan Africa and the second in the entire continent. He emphasized that the completion of this museum will attract more visitors eager to learn about the country’s geological heritage.

Dr. Mpango further underscored the importance of running the museum effectively, including training staff to serve visitors, maintaining and improving infrastructure, and involving local communities surrounding the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. He also urged Tanzanians to cultivate a culture of visiting national attractions, which are the country’s invaluable treasures.

The Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, H.E. Chen Mingjian, stated that the project implemented under the Belt and Road Initiative demonstrates the long-standing strategic partnership between China and Tanzania, which began in 1964.

On her part, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, highlighted that apart from being recognized as a Geopark, Ngorongoro has also won the Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction Award under the World Travel Awards in 2023 and 2025.

The Chairman of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority Board, Retired General Venance Mabeyo, commended the Sixth-Phase Government for its continued efforts to improve the Ngorongoro Conservation infrastructure. He added that the Heritage Museum stands as one of the government’s major achievements in promoting new forms of tourism.