Rwanda has initiated the process of nominating its Northern Province as a UNESCO Global Geopark. A geopark is a designated area containing important rocks, volcanoes, caves, mountains, fossils, or landscapes that are protected and used to support conservation, education, tourism, scientific research, and community development. The country is required to prepare its first UNESCO Global Geopark nomination dossier, providing details and evidence that the area meets UNESCO Global Geopark criteria within six months from June 2026. ALSO READ: 'Unforgettable experience' in Musanze's underground caves The nomination process follows a 2025 assessment of the geological, natural, cultural and socio-economic heritage of Northern Province, which confirmed its strong potential for designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The assessment identified the province as an area of outstanding geological significance. The inventory of identified geosites includes volcanoes in Virunga Massif, extensive volcanic formations, the Musanze Caves, the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, the Rugezi Wetland, and unique exposures of Proterozoic basement rocks. Together, these features reflect an exceptional geological history linked to the evolution of the East African Rift Valley, a vast geological feature in eastern Africa where the Earth’s crust is slowly pulling apart. The rift system, which starts in Ethiopia to Mozambique, formed as tectonic plates beneath Africa move away from each other. As they separate, the crust fractures and sinks, creating long valleys, escarpments, volcanoes and deep lakes such as Lake Kivu and Tanganyika. ALSO READ: The magical scenery of Rwanda's twin lakes “We hope to secure international recognition for one of our country’s most exceptional landscapes,” said Maurice Mugabowagahunde, Governor of Northern Province. “Our province is endowed with remarkable assets. Our region hosts part of the Virunga mountains, the Musanze Caves, Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, the Rugezi Wetland, and unique volcanic landscapes and geological formations of international significance linked to the evolution of the East African Rift System.” “These extraordinary resources are complemented by rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, vibrant traditions and resilient communities. Together, they provide a strong foundation for the establishment of Rwanda’s first UNESCO Global Geopark.” He said the nomination will promote the conservation and promotion of northern Rwanda’s outstanding geological, natural and cultural heritage, while creating opportunities for sustainable development, scientific research, environmental education, tourism growth and community empowerment. The initiative aligns with the Northern Province’s vision to become a tourism hub that creates jobs, supports local entrepreneurship, empowers youth and women, strengthens community-based initiatives, and ensures that local communities benefit directly from heritage conservation, he explained. The governor added that the assessment report provided not only scientific validation of heritage assets but also a clear roadmap for the work ahead, including strengthening governance structures, completing heritage inventories, defining geopark boundaries, enhancing community engagement and establishing sustainable management systems. “The nomination process requires scientific research, heritage conservation, community participation, education programmes, geotourism development, communication, resource mobilisation and effective governance.” He said technical working groups will be established to support implementation and guide the preparation of a strong nomination dossier. If successful, Northern Province could join the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, which currently comprises more than 220 sites across over 50 countries worldwide. In Africa, recognised sites include the M’Goun UNESCO Global Geopark and Jbel Bani UNESCO Global Geopark in Morocco, as well as the Ngorongoro-Lengai UNESCO Global Geopark in Tanzania, known for its active volcanoes and paleoanthropological significance. On other continents, there is the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark in the United Kingdom, Magma UNESCO Global Geopark in Norway, Lesvos UNESCO Global Geopark in Greece and Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark in South Korea.
