The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has been nominated for registration as a Global Geopark of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

According to the director general of NCAA, Dr Freddy Manongi, the area would soon get its registration as a ‘Unesco Geopark’.

Briefing Tanga-based media personnel who were on a study tour of the area under a program organized by the Tanga Rural Development and Environmental Journalists Association, Dr Manongi said the new status could conceivably increase the number of tourists visiting the area.

"Currently, we receive around 600,000 visitors a year - with a half of that number being local visitors," he said.

Dr Manongi told the reporters that there was a need for an intensive program to publicize the area so as to attract more visitors, even locals.

The DG emphasized the crucial role that is being played by the media in educating Tanzanians on the importance of visiting the area - and also publicizing the attractions through 'Tanzanian eyes.'

'Unesco Global Geoparks' are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with the holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. At present, there are 127 Unesco Global Geoparks in 35 countries across the globe.

According to the Unesco Global Geoparks website (Earth Sciences), 'a Unesco Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area's natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society - such as using our Earth's resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural disasters-related risks.

"By raising awareness of the importance of the area's geological heritage in history and society today, Unesco Global Geoparks give local people a sense of pride in their region - and strengthens their identification with the area," the Website reads in part.

Credit: allafrica.com