Region

Africa

How to Help 2

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.

How to Help

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:

another q and a...

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.

Security

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?

Environment at Risk

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.

More later!

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

And another response...

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.

St. Louis students pose questions / Part Two

Pulitzer Center Staff

Post your questions and comments for Stephanie and Steve here.

Please list your school and name in the name box (e.g. Nathalie Applewhite/The Pulitzer School)

You might find it useful to read over the previous questions and answers below.

"Stephanie responds to Georgetown Questions"

"Answers to some St. Louis questions"

"Gorongosa Day 6"

Our stories

Nicholas Wadhams, for the Pulitzer Center

The first of several stories Zoe and I are writing from our Ethiopia trip has moved at last, in The San Francisco Chronicle. You can find it here, with a sidebar here. More to come in the coming weeks. Please let us know what you think -- we're happy to respond to questions and comments.

Reports of torture in Ethiopia are widespread

(04-16) 04:00 PDT Ghimbi, Ethiopia -- First, the police threw Tesfaye into a dark cell. Then, each day for 17 days, it was the same routine: Electric shocks on his legs and back, followed by beatings with rubber truncheons. Four or five officers would then surround and kick him. At last, a large bottle of water would be tied around his testicles. He'd pass out.