{"id":113674,"date":"2025-10-22T16:22:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T16:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/bisoke-volcano-lake-kivu-sites-lead-rwandas-geopark-drive"},"modified":"2025-10-22T16:34:43","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T16:34:43","slug":"bisoke-volcano-lake-kivu-sites-lead-rwandas-geopark-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/bisoke-volcano-lake-kivu-sites-lead-rwandas-geopark-drive","title":{"rendered":"Bisoke Volcano, Lake Kivu sites lead Rwanda\u2019s geopark drive"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The government has launched a national initiative to identify and document sites of geological and natural significance that could be nominated as UNESCO Global Geoparks, in a move aimed at promoting geo-tourism, education, scientific research, and environmental conservation.<\/p>\n

According to Dominique Mvunabandi, the National Focal Person for the Geopark National Committee at UNESCO Rwanda, the exercise involves a comprehensive assessment of the country\u2019s unique geological and natural heritage.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese sites are being evaluated based on their scientific value, educational potential, and cultural importance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Geological heritage refers to natural landforms and Earth processes with scientific, educational, cultural, aesthetic, or economic value\u2014including rock formations, fossils, volcanoes, caves, and tectonic structures that tell the story of the planet\u2019s evolution.<\/p>\n

UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) are defined as single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed holistically\u2014integrating protection, education, and sustainable development. There are currently 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 50 countries.<\/p>\n

Mvunabandi said that for Rwanda, the benefits include enhanced global recognition, increased opportunities for education and research, local economic growth through geo-tourism, and sustainable conservation of natural and cultural resources.<\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s list of candidate geopark sites is expected to be submitted to UNESCO by November 2025.<\/p>\n

Bisoke\u2019s crater lakes<\/b><\/p>\n

Among the top contenders is Mount Bisoke in Volcanoes National Park, whose summit lake\u2014100 metres deep and 400 metres wide\u2014is among the country\u2019s most iconic volcanic features. A second lake, Ngezi, lies on the volcano\u2019s slopes and offers sweeping views of Mount Sabyinyo.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese crater lakes and geothermal features make Volcanoes National Park a strong candidate for geopark status,\u201d Mvunabandi noted, adding that a transboundary geopark linking Rwanda with Uganda and the DRC is also under consideration.<\/p>\n

Nyungwe fault escarpments<\/b><\/p>\n

In the southwest, Nyungwe Forest and its surrounding fault escarpments stand out for their geological and ecological significance. The region, underlain by ancient Precambrian rocks, lies within the Albertine Rift\u2014one of Africa\u2019s most active geological zones.<\/p>\n

Nyungwe\u2019s dramatic fault lines and rich biodiversity, coupled with its cultural heritage, make it a strong contender for UNESCO recognition.<\/p>\n

Tectonic lakes and geo-hazards<\/b><\/p>\n

The western region, dominated by Lake Kivu and its surrounding volcanic cones and hot springs, illustrates Rwanda\u2019s tectonic dynamism. Lake Kivu\u2019s rare limnic eruption phenomenon\u2014where gases trapped in deep waters can suddenly be released\u2014makes it both a geological wonder and a geo-hazard study site.<\/p>\n

Incorporating this area into a geopark would highlight the theme of tectonic activity, natural risks, and resilience.<\/p>\n

Bugarama rift and travertine terraces<\/b><\/p>\n

In Rusizi District, the Bugarama Rift features striking travertine terraces and geothermal springs, serving as a \u201cnatural laboratory\u201d for studying tectonic and mineral deposition processes.<\/p>\n

The formations, created by mineral-rich hot springs, hold strong potential for geoscience tourism and research.<\/p>\n

Musanze basaltic caverns<\/b><\/p>\n

Northern Rwanda\u2019s basaltic caverns\u2014lava tubes formed by ancient volcanic flows are another highlight. These underground caves, ideal for adventure tourism and education, showcase the country\u2019s volcanic history.<\/p>\n

Rugezi wetland and twin lakes<\/b><\/p>\n

The Rugezi Wetland and the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo illustrate the connection between volcanic activity and wetland ecosystems. The area plays a key role in hydrological regulation and community-based conservation.<\/p>\n

National coordination<\/b><\/p>\n

To coordinate these efforts, the government established the Geopark National Committee, comprising representatives from the University of Rwanda\u2019s School of Mining and Geology, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), UNESCO Rwanda National Commission, and the Red Rock Initiative for Sustainable Development.<\/p>\n

Joseph Mugabo, a seismologist at RMB, said robust scientific data including geological maps, stratigraphic profiles, and geosite inventories will be vital to the nomination process.<\/p>\n

Cedrick Nsengiyumva, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda, highlighted Rwanda\u2019s diverse geological record, spanning from ancient metamorphic rocks to recent volcanic formations.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Professor Asfawossen Asrat Kassaye from the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, who is supporting the initiative, said:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Virunga volcanic chain and the Lake Kivu rift are of international scientific importance. A successful geopark requires globally significant geoheritage, community engagement, and a dedicated management body to ensure sustainable use and protection.\u201d<\/p>\n

He emphasised that systematic geoheritage inventories, local community involvement, and inclusive governance will be key to Rwanda\u2019s success in securing UNESCO Global Geopark status.<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Rwanda<\/span> Follow Africa-Press<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. The government has launched a national initiative to identify and document sites of geological and natural significance that could be nominated as UNESCO Global Geoparks, in a move aimed at promoting geo-tourism, education, scientific research, and environmental conservation. According to Dominique Mvunabandi, the National Focal Person for the Geopark National Committee at […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":113672,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,30],"tags":[4502,3903,8477,1335,5570,758,5568,3330],"class_list":["post-113674","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-community","tag-biodiversity","tag-lake-kivu","tag-mount-bisoke","tag-nyungwe","tag-rugezi-wetland","tag-rwanda","tag-twin-lakes","tag-unesco"],"yoast_head":"\nBisoke Volcano, Lake Kivu sites lead Rwanda\u2019s geopark drive - Rwanda<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The government has launched a national initiative to identify and document sites of geological and natural significance ...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/bisoke-volcano-lake-kivu-sites-lead-rwandas-geopark-drive\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Bisoke Volcano, Lake Kivu sites lead Rwanda\u2019s geopark drive\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The government has launched a national initiative to identify and document sites of geological and natural significance ...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/bisoke-volcano-lake-kivu-sites-lead-rwandas-geopark-drive\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Rwanda\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-10-22T16:22:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-22T16:34:43+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/static.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/sites\/23\/2025\/10\/sm_1761138107.30186.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"664\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"cfeditoren\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"cfeditoren\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/bisoke-volcano-lake-kivu-sites-lead-rwandas-geopark-drive#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/bisoke-volcano-lake-kivu-sites-lead-rwandas-geopark-drive\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"cfeditoren\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/#\/schema\/person\/068c7ab4e9634ae78ec5d54ec46598bb\"},\"headline\":\"Bisoke Volcano, Lake Kivu sites lead Rwanda\u2019s geopark drive\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-10-22T16:22:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-22T16:34:43+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/bisoke-volcano-lake-kivu-sites-lead-rwandas-geopark-drive\"},\"wordCount\":733,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/bisoke-volcano-lake-kivu-sites-lead-rwandas-geopark-drive#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/static.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/sites\/23\/2025\/10\/sm_1761138107.30186.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"biodiversity\",\"Lake Kivu\",\"mount bisoke\",\"Nyungwe\",\"Rugezi wetland\",\"Rwanda\",\"twin lakes\",\"UNESCO\"],\"articleSection\":[\"all news\",\"Community\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/bisoke-volcano-lake-kivu-sites-lead-rwandas-geopark-drive#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/bisoke-volcano-lake-kivu-sites-lead-rwandas-geopark-drive\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/bisoke-volcano-lake-kivu-sites-lead-rwandas-geopark-drive\",\"name\":\"Bisoke Volcano, Lake Kivu sites lead Rwanda\u2019s geopark drive - 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