Rendezvous With a Rainforest

The Hunstein Rainforest I loved as a child is scheduled to be logged. Blissful birds of paradise dance in the mysterious Hunstein Mountains, unaware of their impending doom. The inhabitants of the tiny village of Wagu in Papua New Guinea who own the pristine forest, most importantly the widow Moyali, will decide the rainforest’s fate even though they are not aware of its intrinsic value. I initiate a National Geographic expedition and follow along, trying to understand their struggles. Will they choose to save the trees? What is going to happen to their culture? One year later, I lead a small team on another expedition, a two week trek deep into the uncharted forest, following my tribal “uncle’s” ideas, to gather photographs and challenge Mt. Hunstein. We fight food shortages, leeches and giant cassowaries, while rare birds, exotic flowers and crystal clear rivers fuel my deep love for this delicate forest. I come to realize only the villagers can save the rainforest.