Ep 18. Warriors of the Amazon

In the season 23, episode 18 of NOVA titled Warriors of the Amazon, viewers are taken on a journey deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest to explore the lives of the Waorani people, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer societies in the world. NOVA follows a team of scientists and conservationists who work together in order to document the unique culture of the Waorani people and protect their way of life.

The episode begins by detailing the history of the Waorani people's relationship with the surrounding forest and how they have managed to survive and thrive within their environment for thousands of years. The Waorani people live in small communities deep within the rainforest and rely on a variety of hunting, gathering, and fishing techniques to survive. However, in recent years, the encroachment of oil companies and logging operations has threatened the Waorani people's way of life and the rainforest they call home.

The Waorani people have a rich culture and a deep spiritual connection to the forest, which is evident in their language and customs. NOVA viewers will get a chance to see how the Waorani people use the forest to create medicines, build homes, and hunt for food. The team of scientists and conservationists work closely with the Waorani people to understand their way of life and create solutions that protect both the people and the forest.

In order to protect the Waorani people and the rainforest, the NOVA team works with members of the Waorani community to map out areas of the forest that are vital to their survival. This helps to identify places that are crucial for hunting, fishing, and gathering, as well as areas that are sacred to the Waorani people. By creating these maps, the scientists and conservationists can pinpoint areas that need to be protected from the logging and oil companies that threaten the Waorani people's way of life.

Throughout the episode, viewers will also get to see how the Waorani people are fighting back against the industries that threaten their existence. The Waorani have organized themselves in order to create a legal battle against the Ecuadorian government to stop oil drilling in their territory. In 2019, the Waorani people won a landmark court case that prevented the government from auctioning off their land for oil extraction. The episode details how the Waorani people were able to rally together and protect their land from destruction.

Overall, the Warriors of the Amazon episode of NOVA provides an incredible look into the lives of the Waorani people and their connection to the rainforest. It showcases just how important it is to preserve the culture and way of life of indigenous communities in the face of powerful industries that seek to exploit the natural resources of the world. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in conservation, cultural preservation, and the battle between those who seek to protect the earth and those who seek to profit from it.