November 2008

TOPIC:  Mozambique

SPEAKER:  Richard Beilfuss

WHEN:  Tuesday, November 17

TIME:  7:00 pm Refreshments
TIME:  7:30 pm Program

WHERE:  Capitol Lakes Retirement Community -- click for map
333 W. Main Street, Madison

PARKING:  Free – ramp across the street
Lower levels – must use unmarked spaces or those labeled “DNR”

PRE-MEETING DINNER:  You are invited to join Madison Audubon board members and friends at the pre-program dinner with our speaker beginning at 5:15.

Paisan's 131 West Wilson Street

QUESTIONS?:  Please call the MAS office at (608)255-2473.

Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique was renowned for its legendary concentrations of buffalo, lion, hippo, and other African wildlife, and is a global biodiversity hotspot for rare birds and vegetation. During Mozambique’s prolonged civil war, wildlife populations were decimated and the communities surrounding the park were traumatized and deeply impoverished. Today, rapid deforestation, uncontrolled fires, and commercial bushmeat hunting continue to threaten biodiversity and human livelihoods. The Carr Foundation, under US multi-millionaire businessman and philanthropist Greg Carr, signed a long-term agreement with the Government of Mozambique to invest more than $30 million over 20 years to protect and restore the stunning Gorongosa ecosystem, develop ecotourism, and reduce poverty around the park. Dr. Richard Beilfuss, who served four years as science director at Gorongosa for the Carr Foundation during the initial development of the project, will tell the unusual story of Gorongosa and share his insights about this ambitious project and lessons for future conservation efforts in Africa.

Dr. Richard Beilfuss is Vice President-Programs for the International Crane Foundation. He has been involved in conservation and sustainable development efforts in the Zambezi River Basin of Africa since 1995, as well as in Vietnam, China, Nepal, and elsewhere..