Unknown Belize
In this four-part series, we follow Belizean celebrity chef, Sean Kuylen, and LA-based journalist, Gelareh Darabi, as they travel through Belize, from north to south, exploring the wonders of its natural environment. They witness an astonishing range of landscapes and ecosystems, from idyllic islands to forests and wetlands, and meet local conservationists hard at work ensuring the protection of this rich and diverse land.
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In this episode, the pair head into northern Belize: known for its farming and its forests. While Gelareh visits a howler monkey sanctuary, Sean goes to sea with marine conservationists to tag sharks. Gelareh joins a conservation group on a night-time crocodile hunt, and Sean goes birdwatching on the Crooked Tree Lagoon. We meet Mennonite farmers, before ending deep in the rainforest.
Sean and Gelareh follow the Macal and Belize Rivers. Gelareh joins local rangers protecting the scarlet macaw parrot, before they both explore the country's largest pine forest, and Blancaneaux, Francis Ford Coppola's forest eco-lodge. We visit the Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech and see the Ruta Maya canoe to Belize City. Then on to the islands of the world's second largest barrier reef.
Sean and Gelareh go to the tropical south. Gelareh joins conservationists to capture images of this elusive jaguar, Sean meets a local man dedicating his life to protecting the manatee, and Gelareh learns how locals are using sharks to deal with invasive lionfish. They learn all about sustainable coconut and honey produce, and coral conservationists show how to cultivate and restore damaged reefs.
Sean tastes the local rum and Gelareh explores the rainforest and meets a group dedicated to conserving the hicatee turtle. Chocolate making gives a taste of sustainable development, a reef provides opportunities for conservationists from Belize and Guatemala to work together. Gelareh interviews Belize champion, Francis Ford Coppola, and we're given a glimpse into a sacred Maya ceremony.
