KUCHING: A new two-part documentary by TVS is set to examine the growing global trade in dinosaur fossils, exploring the tensions between scientific research, commercial ownership and the protection of natural heritage.
Titled “Bones of Contention”, the documentary takes viewers into the world of prehistoric fossil trading, where rare remains are sought after by scientists, collectors and dealers around the world.
Filmed across Singapore, the Philippines, Mongolia, the United States and Europe, the series features rare access to collectors, fossil hunters, dealers, investigators and academics involved in the international fossil trade.
According to TVS, the documentary traces the journey of prehistoric remains from excavation sites to the global marketplace while examining concerns surrounding illegal excavation, smuggling and the removal of fossils from countries such as Mongolia.
The series also explores the competing values attached to fossils. For scientists, they provide irreplaceable evidence about how dinosaurs lived, ecosystems evolved and the planet changed over millions of years.
For countries and communities where fossils are discovered, the remains can form an important part of their natural heritage, while collectors and dealers regard rare specimens as valuable commodities.
As Asia emerges as an important marketplace for prehistoric fossils, “Bones of Contention” examines the consequences of buying, selling and moving these irreplaceable remains across international borders.
The documentary also raises broader questions over who has the right to own prehistoric remains and whether fossils should be treated as private property or preserved as part of humanity’s shared natural heritage.
“Bones of Contention” premieres exclusively on TVS every Friday at 9.30pm, beginning Aug 21.
