In 2004, young biologist Diego Calderón was captured while on a field trip in the Colombian Andes. His captors were Farc guerrillas, who held him for three months, seeking a ransom payment. Life in the Farc camp was basic and tedious, but Diego kept himself busy by studying the wildlife in the unique cloud forest habitat where he was held. Years later, after his release, Diego found himself face to face with the guerrillas once again. But by now a peace deal had been signed, and efforts were being made to use nature and tourism to integrate ex-combatants back into society. Many of them had grown up in the forests and had unique knowledge of the region. Diego was one of the first in line to join his former captors who were now carrying birdwatching binoculars, not guns.
Image: Diego Calderón birding with Leo on the 2018 Expedicion BIO in Anorí Credit: Federico Ríos Escobar @historiassencillas
Producer: Harry Graham Presenter: Andrea Kennedy
Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com
More Episodes
2020-07-30
2020-07-29
2020-07-25
2020-07-22
2020-07-21
2020-07-20
2020-07-18
2020-07-16
2020-07-15
2020-07-14
2020-07-13
2020-07-11
2020-07-08
2020-07-06
Get this podcast on your
phone, FREE
