We have tried to include a very basic indication of the potential focuses associated with each area, the groups and organisations we will be travelling with, and what collectively we might learn. However... please don't take these too seriously, in reality the route, timings and locations could change in a flash. In general, it is worthwhile remembering that there is no 'rock-solid plan'. Although we have tried to organise things to the best of our ability, we are fully aware and reminded on a daily basis, that nature, the unpredictable beauty that she is, might just have something to say about it...

(1) COMPLETED Maratakka River (WWF) Bird-life, Parrot-catchers and the increasing trade in wildlife, its causes and effects in this remote area.
27/05/00 And So It Begins
29/05/00 The Maratakka in the Balance
28/05/00 Maratakka River (WWF) - Animal Trade

(3) COMPLETED On arrival in Kwamalasamutu we focus on the Voice of the Trio People... Granman Asongo - paramount Chief of the Trio tribe. We examine conservation principles in practice, hoping to highlight the work of Conservation International - The Shamans Apprentice Program, Ethnobotanical research, bioprospecting and the International Co-operative Biodiversity Group (ICBG), The work of the U.N.P.D and the Amazonian Conservation Team (A.C.T) and hope to link with Mark Plotkin. Focus on village life, hunting techniques, cultural comparisons, tribal issues concerning the past, present and future of this remote Amerindian community. Likely encounters - Walking with Shaman, live link up (via satellite) between school children in Europe and Kwamalasamutu. We make a short trip to the Sipaliwini Savanah, a Nature Reserve on the Brazilian border with species unique to this particular region. The "Poison Dart Frog", famous for it's bright blue colour and it poisonous skin, used by the local huntsmen to dip their arrows-tips in. We see how wildlife trade is again a powerful source of cash in these remote areas. We outline the irony that these animals, famous for their exotic rarity, are favorites with collectors in Europe and the Far East: We touch on Tribal land issues, mining concessions and the threats they may hold.
14/06/00 The Granman Speaks
15/06/00 A Walk with a Shaman - Amazon Conservation Team
16/06/00 A.C.T. Grass Roots Approach
17/06/00 Bamboo Sand Rapids

(5) COMPLETED In Tepu we continue our look at Trio culture. Moving down to Palumeu we recoup a bit of energy while we focus on eco-tourism and review and assess its impact and incentives. We show the impression tourists have of their trip. We hear the voice of the Captain of the village, and platform the work of M.E.Ts (The Movement for the Development of Ecotourism within Suriname) From there we begin our journey to Steolman's Island travelling down the Upper Tapanahoni.

We are here guided by Paramacca Maroons, and the advice, if not the presence, of Anthropologist, Cassandra Moore. We Climb up Rosevelt Piek and focus on biodiversity, Maroon forest-knowledge, and their uses of plants.

We re-focus on Maroon culture and history - descendants of runaway slaves of West African origin, who fought for and won their freedom from the Dutch colonialists in the late 1600 century. These communities have retained much of their traditional African heritage. We platform the voice of the Parramacca People - Granman Gazon, paramount chief of the Parramacca people.

19/06/00 Tepu- Upper Tapanahoni
20/06/00 Reading Dreams
21/06/00 Paleumeu - METS and Eco-Tourism
22/06/00 Rocks, Rapids and Rainbows
23/06/00 Contemplating New Heights
24/06/00 Rosevelt Peak- The Gamble
25/06/00 Sunday Service in Peleowime
26/06/00 Past Rapids - Under Palms
27/06/00 Dritabikki - A Whole New World
28/06/00 Granman Gazon- Voice of the N'Dukas
29/06/00 From Granman to Gold Men
30/06/2000 A Mine of Information

(6) COMPLETED Travelling up and down the Lawa River on the French Guyanese Border we begin to encounter 'Garimpieros', Brazilian Miners the driving force behind frontier communities with Brazillians, Moroons, Chinese and Amerindians living in organised chaos in pursuit of the timeless allure of gold. We outline the various processes and techniques used, creating a portrait of life in these Mosquito-ridden camps.

Guided by the advice of Karen Boven an anthropologist who has worked extensively in this area, we visit Kawemhakan an Amerindian village coping with the pressures that the mining activity is placing on their life and culture. The Mercury ends up in the rivers and is beginning to infiltrate the food chain. We show the effects of Mercury (locally 'Quick') which is used an an amalgam in the final stage of the seperation of gold from impurities. We see what responses the Amerindians have developed using plants, and downstream we visit the hospital which serves the entire stretch of the Lawa and Marowijne Rivers.

Later on we hope to feature an interview with Lie Paw Sam, a chinese miner using techniques developed in China using agitation methods, and thus eliminating the need for Mercury.

01/07/2000 An Ethical Minefield
02/07/2000 Kawemhaken- Voice of the Wayana
03/07/2000 Health Wealth & Hollow Rewards
04/07/2000 African Herbsman
05/07/00 Winti Ceremony - The Voice of the Paramacca

(7) COMPLETED A final stretch down the Marowijne River where we encounter missionaries, more mining, and the influence of French culture into the mix.

06/07/00 Boundaries and Iron Bars
07/07/00 DEVILS ISLAND: Fact & Fiction

(8) COMPLETED We arrive in Galibi amongst indigenous coastal Carib culture. Here we bathe our mosquito-bitten bodies in the healing salty waters of the Atlantic coast. Again hook up with the World Wildlife Fund and STINASU this time focusing on their work with the Sea Turtles, with a group called Bio-Topic, and the local Carib community. Galibi is a crucial nesting site now with sadly many fewer Turtles visiting the beaches. Thankfully it is now a Nature Reserve. We show some of Bio-topic's research results and platform their work with the Carib community who have traditionally taken a harvest of Turtle eggs, to show how they are working together in the interests of all sides of the debate. We are hoping to pursuade the Surinamese Marines to aid us in an underwater section near Devil's Island the now-ruined prison from where Papillon first escaped at the beginning of the famous novel.

08/07/00 The Galibi Beaches with STINASU and Biotopic
09/07/00 Brave Beginnings- The Giant Sea Turtle
10/07/00 The Voice of the Kari'na - The Caribs of Galibi
11/07/00 Full Circle: A Day of Rest!

(9) COMPLETED Our work nearly completed we will return to Paramaribo for a few final interviews and focuses before we wing our way back to Europe - a lot wiser for the experience.

12/07/00 Maintaining a Balance
15/07/00 Strong Sentiments
15/07/00 "Tam Bun"