China volcano geopark in partnership with Tanzania's East Usambara

Wudalianchi World Geopark in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Monday closed a deal to partner Tanzania's East Usambara.

Qu Shuguang, head of the scenic management committee at Wudalianchi, China's "Natural Volcano Museum", said the two sides will exchange volcanic specimens, biological research, tourist development ideas and ways to popularize science.

Wudalianchi literally mean five volcano lakes. It is designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2003.

The area is applying for UNESCO World Natural Heritage status and the committee has stepped up international biosphere protection exchanges to draw on the experience of others.

East Usambara was designated as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in 2000. The reserve has developed ecotourism as an additional income source for locals while protecting rainforest.