National Park Iona

To protect the ecological integrity of ecosystems, biotic communities, genetic resources and species; protect and maintain the natural state of the areas allocated to the Park, conserving their environmental characteristics, the scientific, cultural, aesthetic, historical, geological or archaeological value of the natural heritage of recognized national or international importance; conserving wild fauna, spontaneous vegetation and other environmental components in a good way; etc.

Species of Concern: seals, dolphins, cormorants, sea turtles

Restrictions

All activities that jeopardize biodiversity or the conservation, reproduction, quality and quantity of biological resources of current or potential use or value are prohibited, especially those threatened with extinction. Two types of management zones exist within the coastal area of the park:
- Area of ​​limited use (a conservation area sensitive to human disturbances). Ecotourism is allowed, but strictly controlled by access permits, and only under the direct supervision of official guides.
- Area of ​​moderate use (area of ​​wild animals less sensitive to disturbances). Responsible eco-tourism allowed.
The following restrictions apply to the subzones of the park's coastal zone:
1. The Sheltered coastal zone is an area of ​​limited use and is located in the central part of the coast, protected from ocean waves by Ilha dos Tigres. Its northern border is where the high dunes invade the beach and its southern border is at the base of the peninsula that forms the southern end of Baía dos Tigres. The coastline is mainly of relatively narrow, steep and refined sand beaches with some intertidal rock outcrops, mainly in the south. The degree of protection increases to the south, towards the lagoons area, where a series of peninsulas and offshore sandbars protect the area almost completely from wave action. Only very limited access should be allowed to this area. Pre-paid reservations and permits issued only for groups accompanied by official guides are likely to be required. No camping or fishing should be allowed.
2. The Exposed coastal zone is an area of ​​moderate use and is located in the coastal strip that extends southwards from the base of Baía dos Tigres to the Cunene River and the northern limits of the estuary. The beach is a mixture of rock and sand and is directly exposed to the ocean. Inland, the sub-zone includes a low, narrow coastal plain of windblown sand and eroded rock, extending eastward to the edge of the main desert dune field and higher rocky ridges. This coastal plain has areas of hummock dunes that have accumulated around Salsola nollothensis plants, and some scattered and isolated Zygophyllum ehagh, sheltered among the rocks.
3. The Estuary is an area of ​​limited use. It is the estuary of the Cunene River. The southern limit of this sub-area is the international border with Namibia, and the northern border extends from the riverbank immediately downstream of the former pumping station to the west towards the coast, including the sugarcane fields, marshes and areas of saltpans associated with the estuary. This boundary ends at LLWS on the beach, at the end of a line drawn west from about 17°14.2'S; 11° 45.3'E. From there, the Atlantic Ocean forms the western limit to the south, to the border with Namibia. No vehicles or fishing of any kind should be allowed in this sub-area. Access should only be allowed to visitors on foot, or with canoes or rowing boats.

Allowed

Sport fishing and driving on the beach may be permitted, but on a very limited basis in the Exposed coastal zone.