Honorable Bernard Membe Bring the World to Ngorongoro.
In October 2011, Honorable Bernard Membe the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation led a special tour of foreign diplomats working in Tanzania to the world famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The entourage consisted of ambassadors, high commissioners and consuls. Mr. Bernard Membe said the tour was intended to promote Destination Tanzania to foreign representatives so as to allow them to relay back messages to their home countries about Tanzania Tourism and bring more visitors to the country.
Their first stop in Ngorongoro was at Olduvai Gorge which is not far away from Laetoli footprints. After getting information about Olduvai, Membe said more discoveries are likely to be made at the Olduvai Gorge in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The diplomats walked around in the Museum at Olduvai where various archaeological exhibits are on display. Dr. Paul Msemwa and John P. Paresso, both employee of the Department of Antiquities gave background history of the human evolution at the site which began from 3.6 million years ago.
From Oldupai Gorge, the foreign representatives drove around Ngorongoro and the diplomats took nice photos of the Maasai and various wild animals spread along the savannah plains. It was indeed a unique opportunity for them to enjoy the beauty of nature in close contact.
Later in the evening, the foreign diplomats were welcomed to a special dinner hosted by Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. TTB's Director of Marketing Ms. Devota K. Mdachi, congratulated the Ministry's efforts to attract more tourists to the country. She highlighted the success of the TTB's efforts in promoting Destination Tanzania around the world.
In turn, Hon. Membe stressed on the need to create more archeology schools in the country and prayed for the assistance from the diplomatic community to bring in the much needed expertise in the field as well as sponsor Tanzanians to study in their country.
The next morning, the diplomats descended down to floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for game viewing.
*Pictured right: Hon. Bernard Membe explaining to the Diplomatic Envoys about the Laetoli Footprints at the Oldupai Museum in Ngorongoro.