The Rwanda National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) says several of the country’s geological heritage sites, known as “Geoparks,” are being prepared for international recognition and could soon be listed as part of UNESCO’s global heritage network.

Once approved, these sites will receive special protection as unique natural landscapes that attract researchers and visitors from around the world.

Most of the identified geoparks are located in Rwanda’s Northern and Western provinces, regions known for their exceptional underground natural resources and volcanic geology. Officials say the sites could officially gain UNESCO status before the end of 2027.

Geoparks are internationally recognized territories that preserve important geological features and scientific history. UNESCO supports their conservation through education, environmental protection, cultural promotion, and sustainable development initiatives that also benefit surrounding communities.

Among the sites selected by Rwanda’s UNESCO Commission are Muhabura and Gahinga volcanoes, areas around Lake Burera, the Musanze caves, the shores of Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, scenic viewpoints on Mount Muhabura overlooking Lake Burera, as well as Lakes Burera and Ruhondo themselves.

Other proposed sites include the Urugezi Wetland, the Ntaruka, Mukungwa, and Urugezi hydroelectric dams, and the fertile volcanic soils that support agriculture in northern Rwanda.

Additional locations expected to be considered later are found in the Western Province, including Lake Kivu and its methane gas reserves.

Lake Kivu lies within the East African Rift Valley splitting channel, a geologically active region stretching across eastern and central Africa and associated with chains of volcanoes.

The lake area is also known for natural hazards such as lightning storms, earthquakes, landslides, and floods. The Bugarama plain, along with the hot springs of Nyamyumba in Rubavu District, are also among the notable geological attractions.

Nyungwe Forest is another site of interest due to its ancient rock formations dating back to the earliest Cambrian periods of the Earth. The forest is also recognized for its rich cultural and historical heritage linked to the use of natural resources found there.

Engineer Dominique Mvunabandi, head of Science, Technology and Innovation at Rwanda’s UNESCO Commission, said a list of 16 potential geopark sites has already been finalized, marking the completion of the first phase of the process.

“We have completed the selection of the sites, and the next step is to present them in organized workshops and file the documents,” he explained. “By March next year, we expect to have submitted the complete dossier to UNESCO. Their review process usually takes about three months, meaning the sites could be approved around July or August.”

Mvunabandi added that once the application is accepted, UNESCO’s Director-General would officially award Rwanda the geopark certification, which would then be presented to the President of the Republic.

He noted that the recognition would strengthen Rwanda’s international image as a country with extraordinary natural heritage.

While Rwanda is already globally known for protecting endangered mountain gorillas, he said these geological sites would broaden the country’s reputation beyond wildlife tourism.

He pointed to the volcanic soils found in districts such as Musanze, Burera, Nyabihu, and Rubavu, saying they offer valuable opportunities for scientific research because of their exceptional agricultural productivity. Crops such as potatoes, maize, and beans grow abundantly there even with limited fertilizer use.

According to Mvunabandi, one of the biggest long-term benefits is that Rwanda — especially communities living near the geopark sites — stands to earn foreign revenues by hosting international researchers and tourists drawn to the country’s unique geological heritage.