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Deltas of the World

Deltas of the World

The Irrawaddy Delta in southern Myanmar is home to the most diverse mangrove forests in the world. The forests serve as natural protection against cyclones that regularly strike the region. The Irrawaddy's widely branching tributaries not only provide schools of fish and rich nutrients, but also function as the most important transport route for the people living in the delta. The greengrocer couple U Tin Hlaing and Daw Khin Lay supply the villages downstream with their fresh produce. But they do not go any further than the Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary. From that point on, the river becomes increasingly turbulent, too dangerous for their small, flat boat. The sanctuary is home to a variety of animal species including the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, saltwater crocodiles, birds of prey such as black kites and brahminy kites, migratory birds such as spoon-billed sandpipers, woodcocks, great cormorants and various anatids. Ranger Lha Soe Win and his colleagues regularly patrol the nature reserve to monitor the animal population and make sure the mangroves are no longer illegally logged for firewood. Since the 1970s, the mangrove population has declined by more than 60 percent, with dramatic consequences for the inhabitants of the delta. Cyclone Nargis, the most devastating cyclone to date, claimed the lives of around 130,000 Burmese in 2008. Together with scientists from the conservation charity Flora and Fauna International, the rangers are working on reforesting the mangroves to restore their function as a natural barrier in the future.

2026-01-08 02:07:27 +0000 UTC2026-01-08 03:08:39 +0000 UTC(1h1m)
Deltas of the World

Deltas of the World

The journey leads through one of the most fascinating delta landscapes in the world. Starting in the untouched jungle of the Tumucumaque in the north of the Amazon delta, the journey continues south by boat across the 30 kilometre wide river to the Ilha de Maraj. The largest river island in the world, as large as Switzerland, is surrounded by wide beaches, mangrove forests and floodplain forests. On the island untouched jungle and wet savannah characterise the land. Fishermen and aai farmers live from the fruits of nature on the edge of the numerous river veins and flood plains and the collection of medicinal plants serves here, far away from civilization, as a living for the people. On the south side of the delta in the city of Belem we explore the exotic world of the famous Ver-o-Peso market with its impressive variety of fish, tropical fruits, spices and medicinal herbs.

2026-01-08 00:13:55 +0000 UTC2026-01-08 01:14:02 +0000 UTC(1h)
Planet 4K

Planet 4K

South East Asia offers mysterious old cultures, steaming cook-shops, exotic plants and animals, and monks deep in prayer. A journey through this area reveals everything that life has to offer. We visit Myanmar, where tourism is still in its infancy and undisturbed temples and nature are sights to behold. Then, in Cambodia we find the mysterious temples of Angkor. And finally, we head over to Vietnam to enjoy the beaches, rivers, and Buddhist pagodas.

2026-01-07 13:39:24 +0000 UTC2026-01-07 14:34:06 +0000 UTC(54m)
Eco-Heroines

Eco-Heroines

In Madagascar, Mahefa travels through isolated forests to meet the Betsileos, the local populations who participate in her lemur study and preservation program. Threatened by deforestation which is ravaging the entire island, the iconic Malagasy animal suffers from this scourge which also contributes to the worsening of the poverty of the inhabitants. Through real expeditions to the hearts of the forests, Mahefa makes young and old aware of the protection of their environment.

2026-01-07 02:35:12 +0000 UTC2026-01-07 03:36:36 +0000 UTC(1h1m)
Eco-Heroines

Eco-Heroines

The decline of the pangolin is staggering. Virtually exterminated from all over Asia, it still survives in Africa. But the Asian market demands ever increasing quantities, the value of its scales reaching disproportionate prices. A new symbol of human greed, the animal will not last long. Despite this dire fate, Tessa wants to believe in another future for the pangolin. She joined forces with the Aka pygmies in the great forest of the Congo Basin to come to the aid of this endearing animal, the last vestige of prehistoric times.

2026-01-07 00:31:43 +0000 UTC2026-01-07 01:34:03 +0000 UTC(1h2m)