Geoheritage Assessment of the Afar Depression, Northeneastern Ethiopia: Foundations for Geotourism and Geopark Establishment

Abstract Geotourism and Geoparks development represent an emerging interdisciplinary frontier in the field of geosciences, offering integrated pathways for geoconservation, geoeducation, and sustainable regional development. The Afar Depression of northeastern Ethiopia constitutes one of the planet’s most geologically significant landscapes, characterized by exceptional geodiversity encompassing active volcanism, hydrothermal systems, rift tectonics, and paleoanthropological sites. Despite this outstanding natural endowment, the region's geoheritage remains largely uncharacterized and its geotourism potential unrealized. This study systematically identifies and assesses key geoheritage sites across the Afar Depression through an integrated methodology combining field investigations, satellite imagery interpretation, and systematic literature review. Geosites are evaluated according to their scientific, educational, aesthetic, adventure, and geo-health values, and classified at international, national, and local significance levels. Among the identified sites, Dallol hydrothermal field, Erta Ale lava lake, and the Middle Awash paleoanthropological corridor emerge as geosites of outstanding international value, meeting the foundational criteria for UNESCO Global Geopark designation. Although Ethiopia holds one of the highest concentrations of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa, no national or UNESCO Global Geopark has yet been established. This study provides the scientific foundation for advancing geopark establishment in the Afar region and a replicable model for geoheritage assessment across geologically exceptional but underrepresented African territories.