After a pleasant one hour plane ride, I’m in Gamba. Shell Oil runs the flights so the plane was nice and everything was spick and span. Smithsonian is partnering with Shell for this study so Shell is providing housing and logistical aid, in addition to funding. My stomach is getting better (I caught something on the trip over), and my appetite is slowly coming back. And I took my first photo!
Shell has been partnering with Smithsonian for about 10 years in this area. The last big photo reportage they did was with Carlton Ward a few years back. I think it is a good concept, bringing together industry and conservation, instead of the two constantly fighting.