Formalizing transboundary protected area governance
South Africa and Namibia have formulated a ‘Joint Operation Strategy’, a treaty signed by both governments, which oversees the management of Richtersveld National Park (SA) and Ai/Ais Hot Spring Game Park (N). The strategy ensures that management plans, community involvement and income generation projects for the parks are collaboratively planned and all decisions must be reached unanimously through joint governing boards and committees.
Photo and video gallery
Impacts
• The harmonizing of the two countries’ policies and legislation, such as the legalisation of cross-border radio licences received from both governments, is identified as a good example of progress made since the signing of the treaty between Namibia and South Africa. • Through the joint tourism management plan, activities such as Desert Kayak Trails and the Desert Knights Mountain Bike Tour have contributed to making the ARPT a financially viable transfrontier Protected Area.