Mozambique

Gorongosa is still considered one of the top birding locations in southeast Africa.

Stephanie Hanes, for the Pulitzer Center
Gorongosa, Mozambique

Hi all. I think I mentioned that I asked people at Gorongosa Park what they thought about the whole "how to help" question. Here's what Greg Carr wrote in response...

How can a small group of people change the world:

First, an individual needs to have a big dream. Then, she or he needs to encourage others to share the vision and improve it with their own ideas.

Gorongosa Mountain sits just outside the park's borders. It is considered sacred to many locals, and is the heart of the park's ecosystem.

Pulitzer Center Staff

Steve Sapienza will be answering your questions about his work as a filmmaker in Gorongosa.

Post your questions for him here.

Stephanie Hanes, for the Pulitzer Center
Gorongosa, Mozambique

Ok, now I'm going to try to write about this question.

It would be really easy for someone to say: "Oh, you want to help? Send $29.95 to Gorongosa Park and you will!" Do they still have those very maudlin "Save an African Child For Only a Dollar a Day" ads on television? Same thing.

Stephanie Hanes, for the Pulitzer Center
Gorongosa, Mozambique

This is a really important – and difficult – question. But I think it's an essential one to ask, and I hope you guys take some time thinking about it and maybe even debating it in class. I know my friends and colleagues do a lot of that here.

I'll post my thoughts on this, but I also asked Vasco, at Gorongosa, what he thought about this. Click to see his answer...

From Vasco:

Stephanie Hanes, for the Pulitzer Center
Gorongosa, Mozambique

What is the most vital issue that needs help in restoring the park? (ie land mines, animals, plant life)

The biggest gap in the park's ecosystem is large mammals. They were all poached out during and after the war. So restoring those animals is going to be huge.

Stephanie Hanes, for the Pulitzer Center
Gorongosa, Mozambique

Hi all - here's another one of your questions, and my attempt at a response... (hopefully not too long winded!)

What are the security concerns presently in Mozambique, and what measures have been taken to promote a safer environment, specifically around the park?

Water flowing off the mountain creates the park's unique wetland system – the environment that allowed such huge herds of animals. But deforestation is threatening the mountain and its water supply – and the future of the park itself.

Stephanie Hanes, for the Pulitzer Center
South Africa

Ok, you guys really have some great questions. I know I've only answered two so far... but it's getting late here in South Africa and I've got to pack for the U.S.! More info soon...
Stephanie

Stephanie Hanes, for the Pulitzer Center
Gorongosa, Mozambique

What changes have you noticed since the start for the project until the present time?

Well, I didn't see the park at the very beginning of the project. But I can talk about some of the differences between April/May last year and when Steve and I were up there a couple of weeks ago.

Stephanie Hanes, for the Pulitzer Center
Gorongosa, Mozambique

Hi all. Thanks for your great questions.
I'm going to try to write back one at time, and will post as I go…