Earlier this spring, WCHV learned that UNESCO has proposed to Tanzania that the area around Ol Doinyo Lengai, one of Tanzania’s active volcanoes and the country’s third highest mountain, be turned into a World Heritage Site. Ol Doinyo Lengai represents exceptional scenic and natural beauty of the country.
Tanzania is currently home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites but a few years ago, the country withdrew an application for the recognition of the EasternArcMountains to actually pave the way for logging and mining in the ecologically sensitive water tower area of the sprawling East African country. Many questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the decision were asked. About the same time, many issues arose over plans to construct a highway across the main migration routes of the great herds in the Serengeti. In addition, plans to mine for uranium mining in the Selous Game Reserve, which is another prized World Heritage Site and the intended construction of a hydroelectric dam at Stiegler’s Gorge, have created major disagreements between Tanzania and the UNESCO over handling of cultural sites by the country.