WINDHOEK, Namibia (AP) -- Namibia has a new national park -- a landscape of dunes, plains, dramatic rock arches and even ghost towns in what was once a diamond mining area.
Environment and tourism minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said at the launch of the Sperrgebeit park Friday that the 2.6 million hectare reserve supports nearly a quarter of Namibia's plant diversity on less than 3 percent of the country's land surface.
Scientists say it is home to rare animals, including the desert rain frog, considered at risk of extinction.
Jorgen Thomsen, a senior vice president at environmental organization Conservation International, called the new park "a landmark achievement for all Namibians."
Conservation International will help fund the park's operations
