Health Impact Editor Comments: The Coconut Revolution is a 50 minute award-winning documentary about the people of the Island of Bougainville and their fight for Independence from Papua New Guinea. Sick of seeing their environment ruined and their people exploited by the Panguna Mine, the Pacific island of Bougainville rose up against the giant mining corporation, Rio Tinto Zinc. The newly formed Bougainville Revolutionary Army began fighting with bows and arrows and sticks and stones against a heavily armed adversary. In an attempt to put down the rebellion the Papua New Guinean Army swiftly established a gunboat blockade around the island. The Bougainville conflict is called the world’s first “eco-revolution.” Forced to turn to their indigenous, traditional way of life because they were cut off from the outside world, they found ways to grow their own food, make their own medicines from plants, and even produce electricity through hydro-electric power. The island is rich in natural resources, and none are more valuable than the wonderful coconuts that grow there.
While the film makes a political statement, Health Impact News does not endorse any political view nor armed conflict. We share this story simply because it shows the tremendous power people have when cut off from modern technology and medicines, using only natural resources. All parts of the coconut are utilized, including using the oil for bio-diesel to run the vehicles that had been left behind by the mining company. The Coconut Revolution is a great testimony to the power of coconuts and the riches designed in nature, just waiting for us to discover, or in some cases rediscover.
VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED! WAR CASUALTIES SHOWN.
How it has changed people’s lives, and how it can change yours!