Paradise in peril….the title, the problems it suggests and the theme of this upcoming documentary could apply to many rare places on earth. So I am very happy and honored to showcase this fine documentary as a world premiere right here on my website! My friend, Robert E Hyman, is dedicated to make a difference in this relatively unknown part of our great globe – The Río Platáno Biosphere Reserve, Honduras. The film is a combination of adventure, entertainment, global awareness regarding the situation for native people, deforestation, the disappearing rain forests and it is also a very important and strong message for us humans and our future generations.

The Río Platáno Biosphere Reserve, Honduras – home to the highest level of tropical biodiversity in Central America, homeland of the Pech and Miskito Indians, and keeper of hundreds of unexplored archeological sites – is in danger.   Non-indians are invading the Reserve from all sides, poaching endangered wildlife and fish, slashing and burning ancient forests to sow pastures, and forcing indigenous inhabitants off their ancestral lands.

Paradise in Peril follows an expedition organized to document the destruction of this World Heritage Site and collect testimony from the native peoples who rely on the Rio Platano for survival. Fewer than 400 individuals have ever completed the full decent of the Rio Platano river from its headwaters to the coast. Robert Hyman is believed to be the first member of The Explorers Club to do so, in fact Robert has done this expedition twice in one year.

Paradise in Peril from Skyship Films on Vimeo.

You can also enjoy Robert´s photos from the trip here!

Robert E. Hyman, is a photographer-mountaineer-explorer who has organized, led and participated in numerous exploratory research expeditions. Robert is a Fellow of both The Explorers Club and Royal Geographical Society. His expeditions focus on scientific field research in the disciplines of archeology, conservation, ornithology, sociology, medicine and technology advancements. Robert has lectured about his expeditions before The Explorers Club in Washington, D.C., New York and Florida, The Smithsonian Institution Museum of Natural History and The National Museum of the American Indian, The Society of Woman Geographers, schools, and numerous civic and academic organizations. Robert served six years as President and six years as Vice President of The Glover Park Citizens Assoc. representing eight thousand residents. He has judged photo competitions for the Rockville, Maryland and McLean,Virginia photo clubs. He is the past Chairman of the District of Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District, Citizens Advisory Committee and currently serves on the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, Advisory Committee and The American Alpine Club, Grand Teton Climbers Ranch Committee.  Robert has climbed the western hemispheres tallest peak (22,834) and kayaked the world’s highest navigable lake in Bolivia (13,000). Robert has also been to the summit of 47 of the 50 United States state highpoints. He has had numerous photos published including a story in the Fall 2006 Explorers Journal. He has been involved in seven Explorers Club flag expeditions, four of which he organized and led. Robert is the past Chairman of The Explorers Club Washington Group (ECWG), former secretary and has been either an officer or a board member since 1994. He has represented the club as a speaker numerous times, previously maintained the Explorers Club Washington Group web site and has written the chapters submission the The Explorers Club newsletter “The Log” from 2005-2010.