Ecosystems
Everything in nature is circular and regenerative. Sea water evaporates, forms clouds, descends to land as rain or snow, feeds plants and rivers. Forests and wetlands need water, but also store water and thereby help regulate our local climates and provide a place to live for numerous other plants and animals. Waste equals food. Food chains keep the numbers of animals in balance. All life on earth is linked.
Some mistakenly believe that we are separate from nature and assume our economy to deliver infinite growth of production and consumption. They seem to have forgotten that all the water, food and materials we process and use in our economy depend on healthy ecosystems. We over-harvest wood, fish, soil, groundwater and all other natural resources much faster than they regenerate. We also pollute our waters, oceans and atmosphere, further reducing ecosystems’ productivity. The alarming extinction rate of species should be seen as a warning: also human life depends on healthy ecosystems. The United Nations even stated in a 2021 report that humanity is committing suicide in slow-motion
The sustainable solutions we look for concentrate on initiatives that prevent pollution, protect land and sea areas, practice regenerative harvesting, and restore damaged ecosystems.
Below are the solutions we visited to improve the health of the earth’s ecosystems.
Sea Forests (NAM)
In South Africa and Namibia, we learn about the importance of current and future sea forests. How can they help humanity become more sustainable?
Coral Gardening (PYF)
In French Polynesia we see the beauty of coral reefs, but these important ecosystems are under threat. Fortunately, it’s not too late to save them.
Shark Protection (PYF)
French Polynesia is saving sharks with the largest shark sanctuary in the world. These top predators are vital in keeping reefs and oceans healthy.
A Farm That Restores Nature (CHL)
The Chilean farm Alihuen combines organic farming and tourist education to restore local flora and fauna on former grasslands.
Cleverly Fighting Plastic Pollution (CHL)
Chilean company Algramo uses clever, reusable packaging to reduce plastic waste and save customers money.
Investing in Nature (CHL)
Chilean Patagonia thanks its pristine wilderness to successful conservation efforts. Among them Tompkins Conservation, a remarkable, private initiative.
Artificial Reefs (CPV)
In Cape Verde and Brazil we learn how man-made structures can help to restore underwater ecosystems.
Saving Sea Turtles (CPV)
On the Cape Verdian island of Sal, we meet an organisation that saves sea turtles. We learn how biodiversity can be increased and damaged ecosystems restored while working together with the tourism industry.
Rewilding (GRC)
On the Greek island of Kalamos, we learn about rewilding. We are inspired by the way this form of ecosystem regeneration balances natural and human needs.
Reforestation on Steroids (ITA)
Reforestation helps to fight climate change, drought and fires. Innovations like the COCOON support young trees and accelerate the creation of new forests.
Creative with Cork (PRT)
In Portugal we learn all about the environmental and social sustainability aspects of cork. Time to get more creative with this remarkable natural material!
Nature Protection (SWE)
How Swedish education and legal rights to access nature (allemansrätten) lead to its protection.
Solving the Plastic Soup (NLD)
What the Netherlands is doing and what you can do to reduce plastic waste.