THURSDAY, 4 OCTOBER 2001: The Gaza-Kruger-Gonarezhou Park, stretching over 35 000 square kilometres into South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, was today officially renamed by the ministers of environment of the three countries.

The announcement of the new name -- the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park -- which was made today at an event on the Mozambican border, comes after ongoing discussions between the three countries and sets a new pace for the grand opening of the park within the next year.

The establishment of the park will be governed by an international tripartite treaty, which will be signed by the three ministers later this year.

The name, which is common among the three countries, is seen as a symbol of unity. "These countries share a rich history; our people have the same roots, we have the same river, the Limpopo, giving life to the plant and animal kingdoms in our countries," said South African Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Valli Moosa.

The political, social, environmental and economic dimensions make this a step towards the realisation of the African Renaissance. One of the objectives of the New Africa Initiative is to identify key anchor projects at national and subregional levels, which will generate significant spin-offs and assist in interregional economic integration.