In Zimbabwe, growing political and economic instability has put unprecedented pressure on the country's environment. Deforestation, poaching and unsustainable resource exploitation are destroying what was once among the best-managed park systems in Africa. As a result, people who depend on the country's natural resources - either for day- to-day living or as part of the tourism industry - are suffering. Reporter Stephanie Hanes and photographer Jeffrey Barbee traveled to Zimbabwe to document the unraveling of the country's conservation network. They focused on Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park – two areas that were once prime conservation and tourism spots but are now severely threatened. Their reports have appeared in newspaper and television accounts.
June 27, 2006 | Foreign Exchange
Poaching Paradise
Pulitzer Center grantees Jeffrey Barbee and Stephanie Hanes document poaching around Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
June 22, 2006 | Pulitzer Center
Photo gallery, Zimbabwe
Pulitzer Center grantee Jeffrey Barbee documents wildlife poaching around Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
June 22, 2006 | The Christian Science Monitor
In Zimbabwe, Ragtag Scouts vs. Poachers
We smell the buffalo before we see him. When we find his massive body, it's clear he has been dead for some time. Nobody has used his meat.
March 15, 2008 | Project news
Round One: Winning Essays
In March 2008, The Pulitzer Center partnered with Helium to launch its first round of the Global Issues/Citizen Voices Contest. Find the winning essays here.