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The Miracle of the Great Rift Valley: Why did this land become the cradle of ancient humanity?
In eastern Africa, there is a series of spectacular lakes that have become the cradle of human civilization. This area called the "African Great Lakes Region" consists of Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Malawi and Lake Tuken. Together, it has incredible water volume and biodiversity, and has become a historical landmark for ancient human exploration. and residential hotspots. The special geographical and climatic conditions of this land make it an ideal place for the proliferation of life.
The African Great Lakes contain a total of 31,000 cubic kilometers of water, more than Lake Urana or the Great Lakes of North America. This amount of water accounts for about 25% of the earth's unfrozen fresh water.
In addition, the ecological environment here is rich and diverse, with about 10% of the world's fish species living here. Whether it is freshwater western rift lakes or tropical rainforests, they all show the biological prosperity of this land. Countries in the African Great Lakes region include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda. The existence of these countries not only boosts the regional economy The development also promotes the integration of cultures.
From a geological point of view, the birth of the African Great Lakes is closely related to the formation of the Great Rift Valley. The Great Rift Valley system is a fragile area formed by the separation of two massifs. Lakes collect in these raised massifs and act as gathering points for water flow. Overall, the geographical changes in this area are fascinating. Beginning 12 million years ago, the water sources of these lakes have shifted from westward to eastward flow, reshaping the current ecological pattern.
"The existence of the African Great Lakes Region is not only a geographical miracle, but also the result of the intersection of biodiversity and human history."
Human history is deeply imprinted on this land. Archaeological research points out that the Lake Token area was the center of early human activity as early as two to three million years ago. The famous anthropologist Richard Leakey's multiple archaeological excavations starting in 1972 have revealed the remains of a large number of human ancestors, giving the world a deeper understanding of the lives of early humans.
"Discoveries at Lake Token, such as Skull 1470 and the Token Boy, provide key evidence for the question of human origins."
Climate changes in this land also affect human development. The climate in the highlands of this area is relatively cool, with average temperatures between 17°C and 19°C. At the same time, the temperature in the lowlands is nearly 35°C. In such different climates and environments, unique ecosystems are formed, allowing different species to survive. Species thrive. These factors make the lakes of the Great Rift Valley ideal habitats for humans and other creatures.
Besides physical and climatic factors, economic development is another important element of this land. Economic activities based on fisheries, especially the fishing of tilapia and Nile perch, have become the main source of livelihood for local people. Countries such as Uganda, which are located around the four major lakes, have become one of the largest freshwater fish producers in the world. .
"GDP growth rates in the African Great Lakes region range from 1.8% in Burundi to 4.4% in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while per capita GDP fluctuates between US$600 and US$800."
However, this land full of life has also encountered challenges. Decades of civil war and conflict have had a serious impact on the development of these countries. However, despite this, Tanania has shown tolerance and support for refugees, becoming a place of hope for other countries.
Ultimately, the future fate of the African Great Lakes region will depend on the impact of global change. In the chapter of human history, how far-reaching thinking and exploration is this land destined to trigger?
