SLETP launches new investigative documentary
21 May 2002

Next to narcotics and illicit weapons, trade in endangered species of animals and plants is the third largest unlawful trade in the world. With a total annual turnover of over US$8 billion, this trade is having a major adverse impact on biological diversity and natural habitats around the world - particularly in developing countries where much of the collection is being done by poor people who only receive small amounts of money.

CARGO: Wildlife is an investigative television documentary that looks into how Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity is affected by this global trade. During the past two decades, Sri Lanka has become an important source of various species of wild plants and animals catering to markets in the west and the Far East. The collection and export of these species are happening in spite of existing laws and regulations that control or prohibit such exploitation.

The programme follows an intrepid customs official, Samantha Gunasekera, who has led a personal crusade to prevent wild species being smuggled out of the island. He has uncovered ingenious ways that smugglers and traders use to get biological material through customs. Several case studies are presented, including the Edible Nest Swift; tarantulas; tropical freshwater fish; and Cryptocoryne plants.

The species or methods may vary, but the ultimate aim is always the same: to take Sri Lanka's natural wealth for sale to lucrative markets abroad. The programme ends stressing the need to amend laws and regulations to enable the country to implement the Convention on International Trade in Wild Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES).

This investigative documentary was produced by the Sri Lanka Environmental Television Project (SLETP) in collaboration with the Media House of the Open University of Sri Lanka.

Production information:
Duration: 20 mins
Original language: English
Country of production: Sri Lanka
Director: Dr. Buddhi Weerasinghe