When there is no vegetation cover on the hillsides, the rains come and the water doesn't soak it into the ground. It flows away in a flood that causes even more damage. This water is useless for agriculture, and drought and famine ensue.
Vegetation is what secures the water, keeps it in the ecosystem. Especially in dry areas, whatever rainfall comes down needs to be infiltrated and retained into the system.
This film is about rehabilitating large-scale damaged ecosystems. Environmental film maker John D. Liu documents large-scale ecosystem restoration projects in China, Africa, South America and the Middle East.
You will not believe your eyes when you see a healthy stream of clean water flowing in a previously torrid part of Ethiopia where people starved. It is thanks to 5 or 6 years work restoring the vegetation, and has literally brought the area "back to life."
What could be more inspiring? Our hero permaculture expert Geoff Lawton is also featured.
--Bibi Farber
More information at John D' Liu's website: www.WhatIfWeChange.org