Parque Nacional da Gorongosa Moçambique

A New Conceptual Model for Park Management is approved for Gorongosa National Park

Feb 2, 2007 - Gorongosa National Park

The Senior Management Team of Gorongosa National Park, located in Sofala Province in the center of Mozambique, received the green light to go ahead with an innovative conceptual model that will make a Greater Gorongosa Region possible, wherein diverse ecosystems and healthy, self-reliant lifestyles will positively support each other.

Each one of 5 Departments overseen by Park Management (Communications, Business, Conservation Services, Scientific Services and Community Relations) have defined specific programs and work plans, that add up to a 2007 Park Budget of over 6 Million USD.

The Conservation Services Department will oversee a major Wildlife Relocation Program that will bring about 400 wildebeest, 200 zebras and 150 buffalos to the new Gorongosa Wildlife Sanctuary in the upcoming timeframe of May through August 2007.  These introductions will be repeated for the next 5-10 years to rebuild former wildlife populations and reintroduce missing species such as rhino and roan antelope.

The Business Department will continue the enormous task of building major Park infrastructures including roads, bridges, staff housing, a conference centre and new tourism accommodation, while continuing to attract tourists from all over the world to visit Gorongosa National Park.

Concurrently, the Park Community Relations Department is developing several community-based tourism initiatives with surrounding communities, in conjunction with social and economic improvements, such as the construction of health centers, schools and irrigation projects.

The Scientific Services Department provides scientific advice to other department programs and is responsible for the research, monitoring and evaluation needed to guarantee the successful adaptive management of the Park, as detailed in the conceptual model.

During the Strategic meeting held by the Oversight Committee and the Senior Management Group of Gorongosa National Park, a draft Mission Statement of the Employees of Gorongosa National Park was approved:

Gorongosa National Park is a Mozambican treasure that provides environmental, educational, aesthetic, recreational, and economic benefits to all humankind. We recognize the fundamental interdependence of human and ecological systems and that lasting nature conservation and human development in the Greater Gorongosa Ecosystem can only be achieved through innovative, sustainable land use practices, policies, and lifestyles.

Therefore:

• We will protect and restore the natural structure, functions, and processes of Gorongosa National Park; and improve the health, education, and standard of living of the human communities who live near the Park, by implementing an adaptive, science-based management plan.
• We will draw upon multidisciplinary teams of ecologists, hydrologists, social scientists and other specialists to monitor Park ecosystems; we will conduct management activities to ensure that biodiversity in all its facets is maintained within acceptable change limits.
• We will create a mutually beneficial relationship between the Park and local communities by assisting them in the establishment of their land rights, resource management practices and democratic and socioeconomic institutions.
• We will train and employ community members for Park positions and we will seek community support of the Park's conservation strategy.
• We will stimulate economic activity in central Mozambique through the encouragement of private sector Park-related businesses.
• We will disseminate knowledge through public education programs and engage national and international stakeholders in our decision-making processes.
• We will adhere to a responsible financial model wherein Park income generated from ecotourism, donations, and environmental products and services meets the requirements of this ambitious mission.

Diagram of Conceptual Model>