Home / Series / Correspondent / Aired Order / Season 1997 / Episode 6

10/05/1997

Isobel Hilton travels into the jungles of Ecuador on the trail of the "biopirates" who exploit valuable natural resources. The forests are an ecological goldmine and there are fortunes to be made finding plants that can cure the world's diseases. But the shamen elders of an ancient native Indian tribe protest that their traditional knowledge is being stolen. Medicine from the dragon tree and a plant that is said to harbour the secret of permanent contraception are among the sought-after treasures that could make millions for Western companies. And not only the plants are of interest - the genetic make-up of the Indians themselves is being studied. Also, Edward Behr returns to his old regiment, the Garhwal Rifles in the Himalayas, to see how much has changed since Indian independence.

English
  • Originally Aired May 10, 1997
  • Runtime 45 minutes
  • Network BBC Two
  • Created August 9, 2025 by
    AddingStuffIsFun
  • Modified August 9, 2025 by
    AddingStuffIsFun