A QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF GEOSITES IN ARUSHA NATIONAL GEOPARK, TANZANIA

Geodiversity underpins geoheritage, yet systematic and quantitative assessments of geosites remain unevenly distributed globally, with Africa particularly underrepresented despite its exceptional geological diversity. This limits both effective geoconservation and the development of geoparks seeking international recognition. Here we present a comprehensive quantitative assessment of seven geosites within the Arusha National Geopark, Northern Tanzania, using a standardized evaluation framework. We assess the scientific, educational, and touristic value, together with degradation risk, of seven representative geosites. The selected geosites, which include Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Debris Avalanche Deposit (DAD), Momella Lakes, Mt. Meru Ash Cone, Little Meru, Socialist Peak, and Tephra Fallout Deposits, were evaluated. Results show that all geosites possess moderate to high scientific value, reflecting their geological significance in illustrating volcanic, geomorphological, and sedimentary processes linked to the evolution of Mount Meru. Degradation risk varies, with Little Meru and Socialist Peak showing low vulnerability, while Momella Lakes and Tephra Fallout Deposits exhibit moderate to high risk due to erosion, weathering, and human activity. Ngurdoto Crater and Momella DAD demonstrate the highest educational and touristic potential, supporting their prioritization for geotourism development and outreach initiatives. The findings highlight the importance of strategic geoconservation planning to protect fragile geosites while enhancing their value for scientific research, education, and sustainable tourism. This assessment contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen the geopark’s geosite inventory and supports the development of Arusha National Geopark toward meeting UNESCO Global Geopark designation standards. More broadly, our results demonstrate the critical role of quantitative geosite assessment in advancing geoconservation, supporting sustainable geotourism, and strengthening the scientific foundation for UNESCO Global Geopark designation in underrepresented regions.