Mozambique
Biodiversity Survey
In November and December of 2009 I took part in a biodiversity survey of the last remaining dry monsoonal forest of east Africa. This expedition was part of the program “La Planete Revisitee”, a French initiative organised by Pro-Natura International and the French Musee Nationale d’Histoire Naturelle. Its goal is to thoroughly survey some of the world’s last remaining undisturbed ecosystems, the first step in promoting the conservation of these important areas.
This unique area has been protected from exploitation by many years of regional conflict -and the presence of extensive uncharted minefields which have only recently been cleared. Our work surveying the area, identifying undisturbed forest and trying to promote its conservation was a priority. Slash and burn agriculture by the extremely poor local population is moving rapidly into this area now that it has been cleared of mines.
Biodiversity Survey
In November and December of 2009 I took part in a biodiversity survey of the last remaining dry monsoonal forest of east Africa. This expedition was part of the program “La Planete Revisitee”, a French initiative organised by Pro-Natura International and the French Musee Nationale d’Histoire Naturelle. Its goal is to thoroughly survey some of the world’s last remaining undisturbed ecosystems, the first step in promoting the conservation of these important areas.
This unique area has been protected from exploitation by many years of regional conflict -and the presence of extensive uncharted minefields which have only recently been cleared. Our work surveying the area, identifying undisturbed forest and trying to promote its conservation was a priority. Slash and burn agriculture by the extremely poor local population is moving rapidly into this area now that it has been cleared of mines.
Travelled around the Region
We arrived at the end of the dry season, as the monsoon was approaching and just as the seemingly arid bush was beginning to come to life. In tent camps across the Cabo Delgado region of northern Mozambique I spent 5 weeks in the company of some 40 scientists and support staff exploring the forest in various locations, collecting and documenting the unique flora and fauna. With a base camp near the Rovuma River we travelled around the region and to other camps, in the National Park of Quirimbas and, transported by dhow up winding mangrove channels and then marching across vast mudflats, to reach an isolated peninsula south of the National Park. The area was rich in wildlife; Buffalo, Elephants and Antelope, though present were very difficult to approach and the bird life was remarkable. Lions and Leopards were also common in the region and in the previous year over 50 people are reported to have been taken by Lions. Making for some slightly nervous long walks along trails through the dense bush. It is always a privilege though, to wander in the bush with knowledgable scientists, often world experts in their particular field, pointing out as we walk a multitude of details, finding and capturing unexpected specimens and providing a constant stream of fascinating information. I drew and painted a variety of specimens in a succession of different outdoor studios under tarpaulins. One of these, a painting of an Emperor Moth, I presented to our visiting expedition sponsor, Prince Albert of Monaco.
I found particularly encouraging here that the local population, who live almost completely by subsistence fishing, encouraged by fisheries researchers, have agreed to set substantial areas aside as no-take zones to preserve diversity and rebuild stocks of target species.
That some of the poorest people in the world, who depend totally on this resource to live, have taken this decision is a humbling thought. Particularly when considering the difficulty of establishing such zones in Australia in the face of opposition from powerful groups who wish to exploit marine resources purely for pleasure or profit.
I found particularly encouraging here that the local population, who live almost completely by subsistence fishing, encouraged by fisheries researchers, have agreed to set substantial areas aside as no-take zones to preserve diversity and rebuild stocks of target species.
That some of the poorest people in the world, who depend totally on this resource to live, have taken this decision is a humbling thought. Particularly when considering the difficulty of establishing such zones in Australia in the face of opposition from powerful groups who wish to exploit marine resources purely for pleasure or profit.
