The /Ai-/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (ARTFP) jointly conserves a large part of the Succulent Karoo Biome which is an international biodiversity hotspot. It was established by the governments of Namibia and South Africa and provides for joint management of the Richtersveld National Park (South Africa) and /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs Park (Namibia).
The area is well known for its rugged landscapes, including Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, the Orange River, and unique plant life such as the quiver tree (Aloe dichotoma), maiden’s quiver tree (Aloe ramosissima), the rare giant quiver tree (Aloe pillansii) and the halfmens (Pachypodium namaquanum). The ARTFP is the furthest developed of the three transboundary conservation initiatives in which Namibia is involved. The DWNP leads the MET’s efforts in this bilateral initiative.
On 16 October 2007 the Sendelingsdrift border post on the Orange River was opened as a joint port of entry with police and immigration services on both sides of the river. A pontoon allows tourists to move between the two countries – across the Orange River – through the parks.
Since 2007, the Joint Managment Board has been investigating the feasibility of expanding the ARTP into a larger TFCA that will include other areas of land. If the TFCA were to be expanded, it would incorporate the Sperrgebiet National Park, areas of private and communal land and the //Gamaseb and Gawachab conservancies.
