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The Arusha-Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro Geoparks, located in Tanzania, are in the process of applying for designation as UNESCO Global Geoparks. The Earth Network project, supported by the Government of Italy, supported a field visit to the candidate geoparks. The mission was led by the expert Dr. Asfawossen Asrat Kassaye, from the Botswana International University of Science and Technology from 24 February to 2 March.

UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. Their bottom-up approach, combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities, is increasingly popular.

UNESCO Global Geoparks use their geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of their area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society. This spans diverse topics, from mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural hazards-related risks, to strengthening local educational programmes and empowering the local communities. In line with these important challenges, the Earth Network is mobilising experts from across the geological knowledge spectrum to support Global Geopark candidates achieve their biodiversity and geological goals during their candidature.

UNESCO Global Geoparks stimulate the creation of innovative local enterprises, new jobs and high-quality training courses by stimulating new sources of revenue through geotourism, while protecting the geological heritage of the area.

In order for a geopark to be designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, four fundamental characteristics must be met:

• They must have a geological heritage of international value.
• UNESCO Global Geoparks must have a management body recognised by national legislation.
• It is essential for the geopark to have visibility in order to promote geotourism, and thereby promote sustainable local economic development.
• To have collaboration with other UNESCO Global Geoparks through the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) or and associated regional networks.

The Arusha-Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro Geoparks, after submitting their applications, were visited by an expert advisory mission supported by Earth Network in order to strengthen their UNESCO Global Geopark candidacies. During the visits, the international expert supported the geopark communities in understanding the fundamental principles and requirements of UNESCO Global Geopark designations. The visiting expert also supported the local geopark teams in the identification of geological sites, especially those of international importance, and how to effectively communicate their importance to non-experts. The field visit started with a visit to the Arusha-Meru Geopark, followed by a visit to the Mount Kilimanjaro Geopark.

The mission expert found that Arusha-Meru Geopark is host to a large number of unique geological sites with a rich geodiversity (e.g., volcanology, tectonic and structural geology, geomorphology), as well as a good number of geological sites of international importance and a unifying geological history. The geopark is also well equipped for the preservation of these geological sites, and has strong touristic infrastructure.

For expert Dr. Asrat Kassaye, one of the strengths of the Arusha-Meru Geopark is that it is very well supported by scientific research. Similarly, the presence of a rich and diverse natural, cultural and historical heritage, as well as intangible heritage, is a positive point for the Arusha-Meru Geopark. Finally, Arusha-Meru is a well-developed and popular tourist destination, meaning that promotion of geotourism could have significant visibility.

The visit to the Mount Kilimanjaro Geopark revealed the presence of a unique and diverse geoheritage, represented by various volcanological, geomorphological, and hydrogeological features, among others. These sites of international value are consistent with Mount Kilimanjaro’s existing designation as a UNESCO of outstanding universal value.

Receiving designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark is a long and challenging process, but expert advisory missions like these, supported by Earth Network, go a long way toward supporting aspiring geoparks. These advisory missions are especially valuable in areas where extensive national networks of UNESCO Global Geoparks are not yet developed.