Regreening The Desert - VPRO Backlight is a documentary film that explores the innovative techniques and methods used to regenerate the Sahara desert in Africa. The movie delves into the lives of four individuals who have dedicated their lives to turning the once-dead desert into a lush, productive landscape. The film opens with a stunning aerial view of the vast desert expanse, which is home to millions of people living in poverty. The desert's encroachment on the surrounding areas has had devastating effects on the environment and the people who live there. However, amidst these challenges, several individuals have found ways to reverse the process.
The first person we meet is Yacouba Sawadogo, a farmer from Burkina Faso, who has spent over 40 years developing a technique called 'zai'. This method involves digging small pits in the soil and filling them with organic matter and manure, which helps the soil retain water and nutrients. This practice has resulted in the regeneration of over 40 hectares of land, which has enabled Sawadogo to grow a variety of crops, including millet, sorghum, and vegetables, and provide for his family.
The second person we meet is Tony Rinaudo, an Australian agronomist who has been working in Africa for over 30 years. Rinaudo has developed a technique called 'farmer-managed natural regeneration' (FMNR), which involves training farmers to regrow trees from tree stumps and roots that had previously been cut down for their wood. These trees can take years to grow, but they help to prevent soil erosion, provide shade, and improve the soil's health. Rinaudo's work has helped regenerate over 5 million hectares of land in Africa.
The third person we meet is John D. Liu, a filmmaker, and journalist who has been documenting ecological restoration for over two decades. Liu takes us on a journey to China's Loess Plateau, which was once known as the 'yellow earth.' Over 2,500 years of erosion had left the land barren and unproductive. However, in the 1990s, the Chinese government launched a massive program to plant trees and restore the soil's health. Today, the Loess Plateau is home to over 50 million people, and the ecosystem has been restored.
The fourth and final person we meet is Allan Savory, a biologist, and environmentalist who has been working to regenerate grasslands in Africa for over 50 years. Savory's approach involves mimicking the natural grazing patterns of herds of animals, such as bison and wildebeest. This management planning has led to the regeneration of over 50 million hectares of grasslands around the world.
Throughout the film, we see how all these techniques work together to restore the ecosystem, increase crop yields, and create job opportunities for the people living in the area. We also hear from experts who explain the science behind each of these methods and their potential to mitigate climate change.
Regreening The Desert - VPRO Backlight is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that highlights the potential for innovation, collaboration, and technology to reverse the damage humanity has caused to the environment. The movie serves as a testament to what can be achieved when people work together towards a common goal, and it provides inspiring examples of how we can work towards a sustainable future.
