Did you know that Lakes Burera and Ruhondo were formed by volcanic eruptions in Rwanda’s Northern Province?

This remarkable geological heritage could help Rwanda secure its first UNESCO Global Geopark designation.

Geological heritage refers to natural features that reveal the Earth’s history, formation and transformation over millions of years.

Northern Rwanda’s volcanoes were formed when molten rock (magma) rose from deep within the Earth due to the East African Rift System (EARS), a vast geological feature stretching from the Red Sea through eastern Africa to Mozambique, where the continent is gradually pulling apart.

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When these volcanoes erupted, large volumes of lava flowed into a river valley. At the time, the Nyabarongo River, Rwanda’s longest river, flowed north through the area.

As the lava cooled and hardened, it formed a natural barrier, or lava dam, blocking the river’s original course.

Water accumulated behind the barrier, creating a large lake that eventually split into what are now Lakes Burera and Ruhondo. For this reason, they are known as lava-dammed lakes.

The eruptions also contributed to the formation of the Musanze Caves. As lava flowed, its outer layer cooled and hardened while molten lava continued moving underneath. When the lava later drained away, it left behind tunnels that became caves.

This geological history is why Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, the Musanze Caves and the Virunga volcanic chain are expected to form part of Rwanda’s proposed UNESCO Global Geopark.

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What is a geopark?

A geopark is a protected area containing geological features of international significance, such as volcanoes, caves, mountains, lakes, fossils, rocks and landscapes.

These sites are conserved and used to support education, scientific research, tourism and community development.

According to UNESCO, geoparks are unified geographical areas where geological heritage is managed through an approach that combines conservation, education and sustainable development.

There are currently 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 50 countries.

UNESCO says geoparks use geological heritage, alongside natural and cultural assets, to raise awareness about sustainable resource use, climate change and disaster-risk reduction.

They also help communities develop pride in their local heritage while creating opportunities through geotourism, job creation, skills development and local enterprise.

Do geoparks focus only on geology?

No. While geological heritage is the foundation of a UNESCO Global Geopark, the concept goes beyond geology. Geoparks also promote the connections between geological, natural, cultural and intangible heritage.

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Is the designation permanent?

No. UNESCO Global Geopark status is granted for four years.

At the end of this period, the geopark undergoes a revalidation process that includes a progress report and an on-site evaluation by independent experts.

A successful evaluation earns the geopark a "green card" and another four-year designation. Sites that fail to meet requirements may receive a "yellow card" and, if shortcomings persist, lose their status through a "red card."

When will Rwanda submit its nomination?

The government launched the nomination process for a UNESCO Global Geopark in June 2026. According to Dominique Mvunabandi, Director of the Science and Technology Unit at UNESCO Rwanda, preparation of the nomination dossier is expected to take about six months.

Key recommendations include stronger stakeholder engagement, clear boundary demarcation, comprehensive heritage inventories, robust governance structures, increased community participation and a detailed implementation roadmap.

To coordinate the process, the government has established a National Geopark Committee. Technical working groups will focus on governance, geoheritage research, natural and cultural heritage, community engagement, geotourism, sustainable development, communication and partnerships.

Prof. Digne Rwabuhungu, chairperson of the committee, described Northern Rwanda as a natural research laboratory, citing the Virunga volcanic system, Musanze Caves, Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, and the East African Rift System as unique scientific assets.

What does Rwanda need to qualify?

To earn UNESCO Global Geopark status, an area must demonstrate geological heritage of international significance.

It must also have effective management structures, conservation programmes, educational initiatives, community participation and sustainable tourism plans.

What are the benefits?

A geopark can attract scientists, researchers, students and tourists interested in Earth’s history, volcanoes, caves and landscapes.

For Rwanda, the designation could boost tourism by drawing visitors to its volcanoes, lakes and caves, generating revenue and creating jobs in hospitality, transport, guiding services, cultural tourism and local crafts.

It would also serve as an outdoor classroom where students, researchers and visitors can learn about volcanic activity, climate change, the formation of mountains and lakes, and the history of the Earth.