Namibia: NamibRand Nature Reserve named Africa’s first "Wilderness Quiet Park"!

The NamibRand Nature Reserve in southern Namibia has been named Africa’s first Wilderness Quiet Park by Quiet Parks International (QPI). Quiet Parks International is a non-profit that recognizes the immediate need for identifying and protecting endangered locations because quiet places are quickly becoming extinct.
The NamibRand Nature Reserve is a private nature reserve established to help protect and conserve the unique ecology and wildlife of the south-west Namib Desert. It is probably the largest private nature reserve in southern Africa, extending over an area of 188,980.16 ha. The reserve shares a border with the Namib-Naukluft National Park and the NamibSand Sea World Heritage Site.

"This award reinforces NamibRand’s commitment to preserving its natural soundscape and wilderness character. By promoting awareness of natural sounds, NamibRand encourages reverence for its ecosystems and fosters a deeper connection to nature." Matt Mikkelsen, Executive Director of Wilderness Quiet Parks

In May 2012, the International Dark Sky Association designated the NamibRand Nature Reserve as an International Dark Sky Reserve at the Gold Tier level, a testament to its remarkably dark skies and commitment to preserving natural nocturnal environments. The Reserve was only the second place on Earth that was designated with Gold Tier status because of its exceptionally dark skies. TheNamibRand Nature Reserve was the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Africa.

Namibia: The NamibRand Nature Reserve is Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserve

The NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia, bordering the Namib-Naukluft National Park to the west and the Nubib mountains to the east, recently became Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserve. The NamibRand, with a size of 1,722km² one of Africa's largest private nature reserves, has expanded its conservation role to include preserving the star-filled nighttime skies that shine above its dunes and mountains, so that the International Dark-Sky Association honoured the efforts made by proclaiming the Nature Reserve an International Dark Sky Reserve.

The NamibRand Nature Reserve also got the "Gold Tier" status, a term used to describe reserves with nighttime environments that have little to no impact from light pollution and artificial light. NamibRand's nearest neighboring communities are small and lie some 100 km distant, so the reserve's sky is one of the darkest yet measured.
The International Dark-Sky Association established the International Dark Sky Places conservation program in 2001 to recognise excellent stewardship of the night sky. Designations are based on stringent outdoor lighting standards and innovative community outreach. Since the program began four communities and ten parks have also received International Dark Sky designations. Kudos loreastro for the amazing video!