A Window on Eternity: Exploring Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park (2014)

Located in central Mozambique, the Gorongosa National Park is home to an extraordinary diversity of ecosystems and wildlife. Established in 1960, Gorongosa was nearly destroyed during Mozambique’s civil war. Thanks to a public-private partnership created in 2004 by the government of Mozambique and the U.S.-based Carr Foundation, the park is successfully restoring its wildlife populations and also developing economic opportunities for its local community.

In his new book, A Window on Eternity: A Biologist’s Walk through Gorongosa National Park, Harvard Professor Edward O. Wilson examines the near destruction and rebirth of Gorongosa and describes through prose—and photographs by Piotr Naskrecki—why Gorongosa is one of the most unique places on Earth. Pre-signed copies of A Window on Eternity will be available for purchase in the museum store.

The day’s events will highlight the history and biodiversity of Gorongosa through film, a new exhibition by nature photographer and entomologist Piotr Naskrecki, and a special conversation with Edward O. Wilson, Piotr Naskrecki, and Gregory Carr, President of the Carr Foundation.

All events are free and open to the public
Free event parking in the 52 Oxford Street Garage

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND LOCATIONS

12:00 Noon: Film Screening, Haller Hall
Africa: The Future (UK, 2013, 60 min.)
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this episode of BBC's groundbreaking six-part series on the wildlife and landscapes of Africa highlights key conservation projects and local efforts aimed at protecting this continent's most threatened species. The film features the restoration of Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park. Produced by Kate Broome.Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

1:30–3:00 pm: Film Screening, Haller Hall
Africa's Lost Eden (USA, 2010, 50 min.)
Journey with National Geographic to Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park and learn about the conservation efforts that are protecting the animals and landscapes of this extraordinary site. Directed and produced by James Byrne. Due to the nature of its content and images, this film is not recommended for children. Introduced by Gregory Carr, President of the Carr Foundation and the Gorongosa Restoration Project. Q&A with Gregory Carr follows the screening. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

3:30–4:30 pm: Film Screening, Haller Hall
The Guide (USA, 2013, 40 min.)
The Guide is a coming-of-age tale set against the restoration of a war-torn national park in Mozambique. Raised near Gorongosa National Park, young Tonga Torcida dreams of becoming a tour guide. But when he meets famed biologist Edward O. Wilson, his new view of the world around him—and his future—places him at a crossroads. Directed by Jessica Yu. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

5:00–6:00 pm: Special Presentation, Geological Lecture Hall
Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Restoration Story: The History and Future of Gorongosa National Park

FEATURED SPEAKERS
Edward O. Wilson (Author, University Research Professor, Emeritus, Harvard University); Piotr Naskrecki (Photographer, Associate in Entomology, Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology); and Gregory C. Carr (President, Carr Foundation and the Gorongosa Restoration Project)

Advance registration required. A reception for registered attendees follows the program (co-sponsored by the Harvard University Chapter of Sigma Xi).