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Parliamentary Committee Witnesses Evidence of Early Human Origins at Urithi Geopark Museum

Wambura Mwikabwe2 mins

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism, led by its Chairperson Hon. Timotheo Mnzava (MP), on March 13, 2026, was presented with scientific evidence demonstrating that the Ngorongoro area is among the most significant locations in the world for understanding the origins of early humans.

During the committee’s visit to Karatu District in Arusha Region, experts explained that the region holds some of the most comprehensive archaeological records documenting the early stages of human evolution.

This invaluable historical evidence has been preserved and showcased at the Urithi Geopark Museum, located in Karatu, which serves as a major center for the preservation and interpretation of humanity’s ancient past.

Speaking before the parliamentary committee, Chief Conservator of Antiquities Dr. Agness Gidna emphasized that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area contains an extraordinary continuum of human history, connecting ancient hominin life from hundreds of thousands to millions of years ago to modern human generations.

Members of Parliament expressed satisfaction with the existence of the museum and urged the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) to intensify global promotion of the facility and its historical and scientific significance.

Committee Chairperson Hon. Timotheo Mnzava further advised the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to broaden international promotion of Tanzania’s tourism attractions, including the museum.

Meanwhile, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji (MP) informed the committee that the ministry and its institutions are continuing to implement strategic tourism marketing initiatives across key global markets in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

She noted that the government aims to attract more than 8 million tourists by 2030, adding that the ministry is committed to introducing at least one new tourism product to the international market every year to strengthen Tanzania’s tourism portfolio.

For his part, Ngorongoro Conservation Commissioner Abdul-Razaq Badru stated that plans are underway to enhance infrastructure at the Geopark Museum to improve visitor experiences and align with Ngorongoro’s branding as a “Premium Safari Destination.”

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