Episode 10: Gorongosa National Park

Wild For Change

On today’s podcast, we will be speaking with Larissa Sousa, Associate Director for Communications for Gorongosa National Park.

Gorongosa National Park is located in the Great Rift Valley in central Mozambique, Africa. Gorongosa is one of the most biodiverse places on earth with over 4,800 species identified and is home to a unique blend of thriving wildlife and 200,000 people. On July 23, 2020, the park celebrated 60 years!

The park survived a civil war from 1977-1992, which led to a massive decline of wildlife. Approximately 95% of the wildlife were wiped out. But once again wildlife populations are thriving. Rewilding has been successful as painted wolves have been reintroduced into the park after being extirpated after the civil war. New species have been found that are endemic to the park, which means the species do not exist anywhere else in the world.

Community is the cornerstone of the park where local people are receiving healthcare, education is ensured for children, assistance is provided for farmers, and ecotourism provides employment for the community and gives people who come to visit, a taste of Gorongosa’s magic.

Bryant McGill stated:

“There is a deep interconnectedness of all life on earth, from the tiniest organisms, to the largest ecosystems, and absolutely between each person.”

Gorongosa National Park definitely demonstrates this interconnection of all life there. The park would not be successful if the people needs, conserving wildlife, and preserving the ecosystem did not go hand in hand. In the time we are living right now, this model gives us the expanse to see all of life is deeply connected and focusing on the whole benefits all of us more than focusing on a single facet.

During the podcast, we will discover how a Girls Club is helping shape brighter futures for young girls in the community, we will learn how Goronogosa National Park helps the community co-exist with the wildlife, about the thriving wildlife in the park, game rangers, and so much more!

You can learn more about Goronogosa National Park here:

https://gorongosa.org

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