2019 Highlights

Caia
© MODIS image captured by NASA’s Aqua satellite - EOSDIS Worldview
MOZAMBIQUE
Beira
Indian Ocean
EN1
Vila Gorongosa
Nhamatanda
Cyclone Idai
Gorongosa cares for its neighbours
EN6
EN1
EN6
EN1
Caia
Legend
Community conservancies (conceptual)
Sustainable forestry Inhaminga concessions
Coutada (hunting area)
Special reserve
Lake Urema
Muanza
Gorongosa National Park
Buffer Zone
Most affected communities
Normal water levels
Flooded 20 March 2019
Major food drops
All our Park departments were on high alert when Cyclone Idai made landfall on 15 March 2019. Our Park
rangers immediately walked through heavy rain and flooded land to reach those trapped on termite mounds
or in trees. They brought emergency rations and assistance sufficient for a few days until we could mobilise
helicopters, canoes and vehicles. During the first month, GNP staff, with help from African Parks and others,
delivered 140 tonnes of food and water to over 30,000 people. By May, this had risen to 220 tonnes to over
40,000 affected community members. We were also directly involved in planning and coordination with
national and international authorities in the flood assistance program, which included emergency rehabilitation
of infrastructure, communications and transportation. Our distribution of start-up packs of seeds and other
agricultural essentials has allowed communities to replant for future food stability.
It was very clear that the Park itself played an essential part in mitigating damage caused by the cyclone. Its
vast vegetated area and network of streams and rivers acted like a sponge, absorbing huge quantities of water,
which was still being gradually released five months after the actual event. It was practical proof that intact
landscapes have a buffering effect on extremes of weather – especially wind and water, as well as serving as
reservoirs for effective and functioning biodiversity systems.
The positive reaction to our appeals on social media raised essential funds for our work after Cyclone
Idai – and helped save many of our neighbours from total destitution.
Marromeu
EN1
Vila Gorongosa
10 11
EN6
EN1
Nhamatanda
Bebedo
EN6
Chitengo
Nhapoca
Djuchendje
Catemo
Muanadimae
Lake Urema
Nhamacunguere
EN1
Muanza
SCALE
Inhaminga
0 5 10 20 30 40 50 kilometres
Marromeu