Progress checked in development of cross-border tourism in Ai /Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) recently sent a delegation to South Africa to assess progress in the development of cross-border tourism in the Ai /Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park based on commitments in a bilateral agreement before Covid.
The Ai /Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a cross-border park straddling the border between South Africa and Namibia. It was formed in 2003 by combining the Namibian Ai /Ais Hot Springs Game Park and the South African Richtersveld National Park.
NWR Managing Director, Matthias Ngwangwama in a statement highlighted how activities such as the desert night cycling event that last took place in 2017, as well as desert kayak trails, brought about innovative and sustainable ways to raise funds for conservation activities in the park while creating short-term jobs and training opportunities.
“With the cycling race that involved competitors having to pedal day and night across the beauty of the Ai /Ais National Park, we saw throngs of adrenalin hunters enjoying themselves and creating a strong marketing for Namibia and the park. We hope to see the same soon again. This means more revenue for Namibia in terms of tourism,” he said.
According to Ngwangwama, NWR as a member of the Joint Management Board as per the treaty is the national implementing agency in Namibia as the government manager of all rest camps in the national parks.
The treaty is a commitment between the government of Namibia and the South African government to foster transnational collaboration and cooperation. This will facilitate effective ecosystem management in the area comprising the transfrontier park.
