Nature Season 10 Episode 1 From the Heart of the World: the Elder Brothers' Warning

From the Heart of the World: the Elder Brothers' Warning is the first episode of season 10 of the renowned documentary show, Nature. The episode takes us on a remarkable journey through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region of Colombia and presents a captivating tale of indigenous communities fighting to preserve their land and culture.

The heart of the episode rests on the Kogi people of the Sierra Nevada. The Kogi are one of the four surviving native tribes in Colombia, and they believe that their land is the center of the world. Their culture is centred around the idea that they are the "Elder Brothers" of humanity, and they have a sacred duty to maintain the natural balance of the planet. The Kogi consider themselves to be the guardians of nature and view it as their responsibility to ensure the survival of the world's ecosystems.

The episode follows the journey of the Kogi leader, Mama Shibulata, and his collaborator, Alan Ereira, as they travel around the world to deliver a warning about the impending ecological crisis to the "Younger Brothers" of the world. Their message is that humanity has acted recklessly, and it is now time to change our ways and make amends for the damage we have caused to the planet.

The audience is taken on an awe-inspiring journey through the penumbra of the Sierra Nevada, as Mama Shibulata shares the story of his people and their struggle to protect their land. His narration is peppered with myths and legends and offers a unique perspective on the importance of nature conservation. The show blends stunning visuals of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta's lush terrain with a compelling narrative, making for a breathtaking and educational viewing experience.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the Kogi's warning extends far beyond Colombia. Alan and Mama Shibulata's journey takes them all the way to Europe, where they deliver their message of warning to government officials. It is here that we see the disconcerting reality of how the rest of the world views the ecosystems that the Kogi have spent centuries protecting. Their approach is one of exploitation and destruction, and it is evident that the idea of preserving nature is not a priority.

It is through their interactions with the rest of the world that Mama Shibulata provides a stark warning - we have overlooked the interconnectedness of nature, and every action we take at individual and collective levels has consequences on the planet's survival. This message resonates throughout the episode and in a world of constant harm to the environment, it proves to be a wakeup call.

The beauty of From the Heart of the World: the Elder Brothers' Warning lies in how it highlights the delicate balance that has been maintained in Colombia's Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region. The sheer brilliance of the show is in how it weaves together the history of the Kogi people, their connection to the flora and fauna of the region, and how they have managed to ensure its survival for centuries. It is a story of resilience, where the Kogi's core beliefs have enabled them to fend off development projects that have decimated native populations globally.

Nature Season 10 Episode 1 is a beautiful and thought-provoking experience that presents an alternative perspective on how we can strive to live sustainably with the natural world. It's an invitation to listen and learn from the Kogi people, understand their connection with nature, and make a concerted effort to protect the world we share.