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When the tree bark is scored,it yields copious sticky sap,
當樹皮被刮開便流出了豐沛的粘液
so bitter and tacky that nothing can feed on it.
沒有任何動物能夠以這種又苦又粘的液體為食
It's the tree's natural defence against attack.
這是樹木面對攻擊時的自我保護
It's collected daily,
它每天都被采集
bowl by bowl.
一碗又一碗
It will be boiled and processed into one of the most important materials
液體將被熬制成為一種非常重要的材料
to a fast developing nation - rubber.
橡膠對發展中國家來說尤為關鍵
The expansion of the rubber forests began in the '50s when China,
中國的橡膠林種植面積在五十年代時急速擴張
under a world rubber embargo,
美國侵略朝鮮期間對當時的中國實行了全面的經濟封鎖和橡膠禁運
had to become self-sufficient in this vital product.
中國對這種戰略原料的需求必須自給自足
Beijing turned to the only place where rubber could grow,
北京當局把目光轉向了橡膠樹唯一能夠快速成材的地方
the tropical south of Yunnan.
位于熱帶地區的云南南部
With efficiency and speed,
高效快捷的行動開始了
some of the world's richest forests were torn up and burned.
一些世間最豐茂的森林被摧毀并焚燒殆盡
Replaced with mile upon mile of rubber plantation.
取而代之的是成片的的橡膠林
But there was a problem for the rubber growers.
橡膠種植者的問題也接踵而至
While Yunnan's unique natural forests
盡管云南獨特的天然林
can survive on the valley slopes which stretch to the north...
能夠在延伸到北部的山坡上茁壯成長
just one severe frost will kill off these delicate rubber trees.
可是一場嚴峻的霜凍就能毀滅這片嬌弱的橡膠林
So Yunnan's terrain puts a limit on how far the plantations can spread,
云南的地形為種植范圍劃定了天然界限
halting at least their northwards advance.
阻礙了向北種植的計劃
