The Iona–Skeleton Coast Transfrontier Conservation Area is a transfrontier conservation area. It encompasses Iona National Park and Namibe Partial Reserve in Angola and Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia, making it one of the largest in the world.[1] The two countries share a common boundary along the Cunene River, which is where Iona and Skeleton Coast also meet. The Namibe Partial Reserve is north of Iona and shares a border along the Curoca River.[2]
| Iona – Skeleton Coast Transfrontier Conservation Area | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Coastal sand dunes in Skeleton Coast National Park | |
| Location | Angola and Namibia |
| Area | 47,698 ha (184.16 sq mi) |
| sciona | |
The Memorandum of Agreement for the transfrontier area was signed on May 3, 2018.[3]
The area is important for migration across the region, protection of the Cunene River ecosystem, as well as shielding the Welwitschia mirabillis plants.[2] It includes at least 90% of the world population of Desert plated lizards.[2] Other animals include black-faced impala, desert elephants, and black rhinoceros.[2]
The area has dunes, plains, and rough mountains. It also has a 1 km wide stretch of the Atlantic Ocean.
A potential expansion, called the Three Nations Namib Desert Transfrontier Conservation Area (TNND TFCA), would include the ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park to the south.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Iona National Park". African Parks. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Iona Skeleton Coast TFCA". Transfrontier Conservation Areas. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "Angola and Namibia sign MoA for Iona-Skeleton Transfrontier Park". Transfrontier Conservation Areas. 4 May 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "Transfrontier Conservation Areas". NACSO. Retrieved 16 June 2024.