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GORONGOSA COFFEE

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RUSSEL WASSERFALL

Probably best known for the coffee project that is championing biodiversity and uplifting the communities who live in the embrace of its gorgeous forests, Gorongosa is a flame of hope in many lives. Once considered one of the poorest nations on earth, Mozambique is slowly rebuilding, and Gorongosa National Park is at the forefront of this transformation. This remarkable story of ecological restoration and community empowerment serves as a model for sustainable development through eco-tourism.

Another inspiring aspect of Gorongosa's revival is the training of women as rangers and game guards. By integrating women into the park's management, Gorongosa is challenging traditional gender roles and empowering local communities. Women rangers are trained to monitor wildlife, enforce anti-poaching laws, and educate their communities about the importance of biodiversity. This not only enhances the park's conservation efforts but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the people living there.

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Images by Brett Kuxhausen

On a training patrol in the wetlands area of the Gorongosa National Park.

Committed to restoring its rich biodiversity and habitats severely impacted by decades of civil strife and unsustainable harvesting of wood for cooking, Gorongosa National Park’s woman ranger project is vital for protecting endangered species and restoring ecosystems. It has led to the successful reintroduction of various species and the restoration of critical habitats.

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The remains of an animal snared by local poachers is studied for the purposes of teaching a female recruit the techniques and tactics of their adversaries.

Image by Brett Kuxhausen

Eco-tourism is a vital component in rebuilding Mozambique's economy. Revenue from tourists stimulates the entrepreneurial spirit of the local community and provides the funding for conservation efforts. Well trained and nurturing wardens and rangers are a crucial element in this strategy, as are the 300-or-more women farmers trained by the Gorongosa Coffee Project.

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05. Brett Kuxhausen.jpg

Image by Brett Kuxhausen

Indigenous wood confiscated from local illegal woodcutters is destroyed by ranger trainees.

Another fully trained Gorongosa National Park ranger receives her certificate at a passing-out parade.

As women become rangers and farmers, they gain financial independence and a voice in decision-making processes. They can lead withing their communities and take an active role in building better futures for themselves and their families.

To experience the power of this and the coffee project first-hand, Gorongosa National Park offers visitors a range of accommodations, from luxury tented camps to rustic lodges. From these, the specially trained rangers offer guided safaris to explore the stunning landscapes, and witness the incredible work being done to restore the park. One such facility is Gorongosa Wild Camp which offers a true African bush experience where there are opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the rich cultural heritage of the local communities.

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Wild Cap in the Gorongosa Reserve is rough-and-ready, but it provides a perfect spot from which to explore the park, visit the coffee project and interact with local people.

Images by Olivier Grunewald

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Images by Olivier Grunewald

Accommodation is basic but comfortable and trained local rangers – some of the women – are on hand to see to guest safety.

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There’s always a fine cup of coffee to be had anywhere in and around Gorongosa.

Tours in 4X4 vehicles with trained park rangers take guests to the most beautiful and inaccessible parts of Gorongosa.

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Apart from the ranger project, the coffee and the reforesting the restoration of the biodiversity in the region is most visible in the return of many species formerly driven to extinction locally.

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