Sell Off - Surinam

April 2005 Deep in the jungles of South America, the culture of escaped slaves has been preserved for over three centuries. But their unique heritage is now being threatened by developers. The former Dutch colony of Surinam is home to the largest undisturbed expanse of tropical rainforest and the highest number of ethnic groups in the world. "You have the indigenous people, the bushnegroe cultures. It's a unique and wonderful mix that is not found anywhere else," explains Russel Mittermeier from Conservation International But with 70% of the population living below the poverty line, the government is considering selling forest land to developers. "Our government has put our forest out for sale," laments resident Cornelly Olivera. But indigenous people see themselves as the legal owners of the forests and are determined to fight all developments.

Author: journeymanpictures
Length: 26:23
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