American entrepreneur Greg Carr visited Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique in 2004, when he found a protected area that was still recovering from years of civil war. A big portion of the park's infrastructure had been destroyed, wildlife populations had collapsed because of widespread poaching, and tourism had all but disappeared. It was once regarded as one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, and had become a symbol of how armed conflict could devastate an entire ecosystem. Carr chose a long-term approach rather than a short-term conservation grant after being invited by the Mozambican government to help restore the park. According to the Gorongosa Restoration Project , his foundation and the Government of Mozambique signed a 20-year co-management agreement in 2008 (which was later extended) to restore wildlife, rebuild park infrastructure and invest in the surrounding communities.
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