Pulitzer Center

Stephen Sapienza, for the Pulitzer Center
Gorongosa, Mozambique

What were some of the technical and logistical limitations concerned with filming in Gorongosa?

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

It's been three years since I last worked in the Philippines. I'm back and heading south. Not much has changed except that it's summertime and there's fresh fighting down in Mindanao.

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?