The first attempts to formally protect the dramatic mountain desert and its unusual plants began in 1975, when the then-National Parks Board agreed to investigate the establishment of a national park in the northern part of the Richtersveld.
Ukuzama kokuqala ukuvikela ogwadule olumangalisayo lwezintaba kanye nezitshalo zalo ezingavamile kwaqala ngo-1975, lapho iBhodi yamaPhakheji kazwelonke yavuma ukuphenya ukwakhiwa kwepaki kazwelonke engxenyeni esenyakatho yeRichtersveld.