An Island On the Brink of Collapse Makes a Huge Comeback | Short Film Showcase

Off the coast of East Africa in the Zanzibar archipelago, lie the island of Pemba and islet of Kokota. When Mbarouk Mussa Omar visited Kokota a decade ago, it was teetering toward the brink of collapse. Deforestation and climate change had wreaked havoc on the tiny islet. He recognized that his island of Pemba could suffer the same fate and was determined to do something.
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#NationalGeographic #EastAfrica #Deforestation
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The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.
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Mbarouk teamed up with Jeff Schnurr, a young Canadian tree planter living in Tanzania. Schnurr's knowledge and Mbarouk's connections with Kokotans mobilized local residents to use innovative solutions to counter the effects of climate change. Kokota: The Islet of Hope is a celebration of ingenuity and one community's effort to reforest their island to adapt to a warming climate.
Learn more about Community Forests International, the organization leading these initiatives.
forestsinternational.org/
About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.
An Island On the Brink of Collapse Makes a Huge Comeback | Short Film Showcase
• An Island On the Brink...
National Geographic
/ natgeo

[@ravin2363]

One seed at a time, one community at a time. Most inspiring words. 🙏

[@hackman669]

Could use these guys to help educate the people in Haiti and jump start other reforesting projects in drought areas around the world.

[@AN-gl3jx]

Amen. For love of each other asGod intended

[@gaminggeek3030]

Very true, the whole world needs to hear them.

[@rehanmustafa84]

When that guy cried, it brought tears to my eyes too

[@CHILLeywithSchiley]

I know. I had goosebumps when they finished the school

[@massoud999]

Amen

[@WildSchatz]

Yup, he had me crying too.

[@soumis5562]

Mee too

[@goutambag7213]

take csre

[@zchataabba6490]

"Pick the smallest problem you can solve."

[@leydenfisher7807]

What a Guy,,,,,I love his heart. His willing and God enabled heart.....he chose to help The People.... May The Lord bless him tremdously and keep him. I still love humanity! Kindness among people helps me be hopeful for mankind.

[@gaboonviper9705]

Wise

[@michaelotieno6524]

and always remember a little goes a long way

[@stonew1927]

"Now they are trying to repair what they once destroyed. . ."

[@AnthonyOMulligan-yv9cg]

As Grandpa used to say "it's a game of Domino's"

[@kathrynmarie1232]

Quiet and powerful... Such an antidote to helplessness. If mainstream media showed more of this, they would be true agents of change. We can do this. Deserves millions of views.

[@rocioaguilera3613]

Mainstream media is only interested in profit

[@lorebrown5307]

This is why I don't watch mainstream media. I search out programs like this.

[@joshualance6005]

They are to worried about slandering trump when they themselves are no better

[@MrFunkyFuck]

FYI: Earth regulate it's greens all by themselves apparently. We're having more trees now than 35 years ago. Like a lot. More C02 = more greens. Tho they need it for different reasons on this island. But I'm appealing to your million views sentence, it's rubbish. sorry.

[@shanelee3754]

Kathryn Marie no one is helpless if they share a common goal and strive to achieve it. Nothing is impossible.

[@zachmelanson4174]

Thanks for all the kinds words everyone 😊 and big thanks to Nat Geo for sharing Kokota's story!!! We're teaming up with our Zanzibari colleagues to make the same positive changes on two more threatened islands in 2019. Be part of the solution and help support communities as they adapt! Follow the link in the description. Happy Holidays form Community Forests International! 🌲

[@exburnnyhilary6463]

wow that great am from tanzania i would to team up guys you so inspired my society🇹🇿

[@NoBee786]

In addition to that I would suggest multi layer framing so that a farmer can double or triple their income.

[@drpk6514]

Grow date palms. It grows in both dry and wet areas It makes a top canopy which you could grow other things under it It produces a large amount of fruit which is rich in minerals, carbohydrates, fibers and very expensive.

[@michaelotieno6524]

Have you thought about building them a hospital

[@desertblade1874]

It's like the basis of Permaculture, I was watching videos about since a week ago... I hope Zanzibar archipelago stays ever green and prosper, I still remember how Pemba was greener when I was a young boy running in the forest close to my grandma's house

[@babylynpenaranda2873]

12:20 to 12:33 those mangroves should be a continuous thick barrier between the sea and shore. That's the fish nursery. No mangroves, no sea life!

[@handl3_me]

When he said 'we are destroying ourselves' I felt that, even caused me to well up😢. May God continue to bless people like these.

[@abdillahsuleiman7931]

Being born and living in Pemba Island made me realize the wonderful blessing we have and the big favor the Nat Geo done for us in exploring the this tireless effort done by these locals. If the entire world reciprocate the same, the life on this planet would be much more than a paradise. Big up Nat Geo

[@gratitude5740]

Been to Pemba and Zanzibar. Love the islands 🌴. Glad to learn about Kokota . Hearing Swahili again made me feel as I was there . I’m Polish living in Canada . Tanzania has a special place in my heart.

[@susannembise4146]

Karibu tena :)

[@jamalsinjab5137]

Bravo to you

[@laker6943]

This is the exact opposite approach that is used in the Selah natural preserve in Texas where they removed the cedar trees that were sucking up all the groundwater and instead planted native grasses whose root systems directed the water down into the aquifer. A couple years later the aquifer recovered and started pushing the excess water up through a number of ground springs which naturally irrigated the land. The dusty land is now green and fertile with so much water that it runs downstream and irrigates adjacent lands

[@TheOriginalDeckBoy]

And if the poor can do this... the rich can't because.?????

[@benbrown8258]

It hurts my heart when I consider so many of my friends that are middle class feel they can't afford 2 become energy efficient. I thought it was desperately important enough even when I earned minimum wage to buy a used electric car to downgrade and legally build a 230 square foot tiny house that could be powered by solar. I think the real problem is we've been trained and are training others to Simply Be consumers and not restorers. We devote energy 2 feeding corporations and not the planet first or our neighbors.

[@allthingsharbor]

Ask the Kartrashians and the other celebrities held up as "role models" for the world. Their mantra is consume, consume, consume!

[@elegantsipper6057]

Cus they are rich. And Apple sheep's.

[@michaelotieno6524]

............the rich are on the way to the mall in their fuel guzzling machines they upgrade and replace every 12 months

[@gorkyd7912]

I'm very glad rich people upgrade their cars so often. I could never afford a used car if they didn't.

[@martysgarden]

BRILLIANT, I have noticed also the permaculture movement making some real big changes around where I live. I sell them my homemade compost. If these guys take on worm farming too, it would help them BIG TIME! Free fertiliser, and soil biology. Their seedling would grow twice as fast, and maybe they could sell the castings and worms to make an income. They do this in India and it's virtually cost free to kick start. All the best from Australia Marty ware

[@treerogie1513]

Yep worms take care of garbage and turns it into fertilizer bait and protei5

[@thejaramogi1]

What a wonderful job. And for Non-Swahili speakers, I can vouch for the subtitles was amazingly almost accurate

[@martialkintu2035]

@Nolwenn Appelbaum Same goes for Swedish.

[@perrodehont5109]

Djambo.

[@perrodehont5109]

@@martialkintu2035 Bra

[@thejaramogi1]

@@perrodehont5109skip the D it is just Jambo meaning what's up! or how you doing ? or how are things? or what is new! How are you?

[@perrodehont5109]

@@thejaramogi1 Many years ago (40) I was a sailor visiting the Est coat of Africa , all I remember is jambo or as is sounded to me djambo habari and the answer mazuri , I'm aware of the fact that i most likely spell it wrong but HEY I do have problems to spell in the native language I was raised in LOL.

[@casuallyburning8456]

This is so profound and inspiring. I hope there will be more people like these guys in the world. 😊😊😊 Anyway, Happy Holidays, NatGeo! Thank you for a wonderful year! ❤

[@arkurts]

they will be eaten by the power of eeuu or china or whatrever Wish who have the powerfull. it cant be inspiring, i think u only look the video but no see it.

[@earlysda]

National Geographic pushing their Climate Alarmism religion again....

[@Rattus-Norvegicus]

@@arkurts we are all eaten and eating each other at the same time. Some people actually destroy themselves, it's in our nature. We are driven to consume and hoard as much as we can regardless of the consequences, very few people are different.

[@nina9442]

This really helped me feel more positive about what we can do to save our planet and ourselves.

[@vondahe]

Nina Schirmer Only those of us with the understanding of the need will be part of the solution.

[@donny9078]

Save our planet!!! you say that like the planet is on the brink of destruction

[@donny9078]

@@vondahe what are you talking about?

[@snowforest4159]

@@donny9078 it is idiot

[@snowforest4159]

You only here for the guy🤡

[@sophmore90]

It's reversing the "tragedy of the commons". Very inspiring!

[@user-wc5nc2ud5m]

Especially nice was how they highlighted how everyone played a part

[@Melicoy]

SELF INFLICTING SELF DESTROYING SELF UNDERSTANDING SELF DETERMINATION SELF ACTION !!!!

[@timstring0902]

Very inspiring and a good lesson for us to save our precious forests.

[@nisigate]

Good job to the two leaders and all the Islanders. This approach should be replicated in many poor countries and villages suffering from deforestation and climate change.

[@plasticseas]

What a wonderful project and film- thank you for sharing this important story with the world.

[@jasonhelmes3015]

Overfishing, deforestation, pollution and general non invironmentally friendly inhabitants have destroyed many ecosystems around the world. Education is the key to the survival of the land and it's indigenous inhabitants.

[@wangtie9602]

human overpopulation is the main cause of the problems of this world.

[@vondahe]

No matter how poor you are, you can collect seeds and plant new trees. It “only” requires the mind to see the need for this simple action.

[@MichaelWilson-dm4gz]

Exactly everything you said caused this. Climate change may have been a very small factor. Very very very small.

[@michaelhearne3289]

They need to get a grip on their population growth!!!

[@ttbalog]

What a beautiful story! Well done, guys.

[@earlysda]

Fortunately, there is no Global Warming, so this story is bunk.

[@judycordice7771]

Thank you national geographic. This video was a wake-up call for me. I am now contemplating how can I help my island to combat this same problem. When I visit my homeland, I often wonder why the rivers have and are disappearing, now by watching this video, I understand the reasons loud and clear. Continue to enlighten the world. You may not reach the ear of every person on this earth but a few ears will hear, pay attention and take positive steps to help eradicate this problem or bring it under control.

[@mugambindwiga163]

Such a genuine and kind-hearted person

[@ShaudaySmith]

"Economic development ≠ environmental conservation. We can't conserve the natural world, because we need jobs... that's a completely ludicrous way of thinking... They are actually intertwined." God YASS!

[@TheBombson]

the money for the jobs literally came from the industrialised west not the trees, he is ludicrous to think this was a good example of his jolly message.

[@Gitau_Kenn]

@@TheBombsonIts a classic example of the polluter-pays principle, Indirectly however because it doesn't come as a punishment, but rather as a volunteer effort.

[@TheBombson]

@@Gitau_Kenn in this case the locals have deforested and overfished themselves right?

[@Saugusari11]

lol he had to go to Africa to realize that XD

[@joshualance6005]

@@Gitau_Kenn if they were worried about global warming they wouldn't cut down the entire forest

[@jartisteobscure3992]

Love love love the emphasis on how everything is connected. Sustainable practices and economic development does NOT NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE AT ODDS. If you take care of your natural surroundings, you will be blessed with an abundance of natural resources/raw materials that will -- not only provide food and water -- but may also lead to a unique set of materials/environment out of which an entire population supporting industry may arise... We cannot loose sight of our responsability to do our best in treating the environment well. She is the source of our existence and health. Thank you Nat Geo for continuing to care about our beautiful planet🌴🌴🌲🌲😍💚🙏✌👍🌲🌲🌴🌴

[@epicexplorer6865]

The whole world should be doing this it's amazing 🌎

[@jayforeman5299]

Very inspiring. Great job!

[@Youbarkimeow]

I wish peace and happiness to all and to anyone going through difficulties in life have faith in a higher power and never give up. Remember the meaning of life is not wealth so much more to life than money,be safe over the holidays everyone.

[@Chucklebot_]

I needed to see this. Thanks, NG.

[@shanelee3754]

I’m proud of everyone who was involved in that project. Especially the islanders.

[@myhouseimports]

Beautifully-made piece with a powerful focus.

[@Labtyd3]

The forest are disappearing.... as another tree falls.

[@stiftblock]

@S Lawson and the next deer will come and eat the baby plant.

[@stiftblock]

@S Lawson in that young stage there are no seeds...

[@Regimeshifts]

pretty sure your own lifestyle let to many trees falling

[@Labtyd3]

@@Regimeshifts There is a difference between lumbering trees and stripping down a whole forest. A tree lumbering outfit replants the tree farm and lumbers from the area over and over. Stripping out a forest is and outfit that never intends on replanting.

[@marigold9736]

This is the kind of project I love we can easily share knowledge to make a difference to plants people and environment ...

[@luckygirlme6068]

This is sooo amazing.. I am crying along with the gentleman when he spoke about how the people couldn’t believe they had access to rainwater right where they live..Kolkota definitely is a model for the world to follow

[@fterrysmith6753]

A lovely inspiring upload - thanks to those that made it!

[@emilydear3813]

It may very well be that Nat Geo will be the key to saving the planet and every living thing on it. Thank you Nat Geo!

[@donny9078]

Save the planet from what?

[@DeepSouthBama56]

Deforestation has been known for decades to have a huge impact on the climate. But it continues in Africa and South America to this day.

[@solarflare7747]

yea cuz the europeans and americans have already deforested everything to become a devoloped country, honestly i don't even know why we want to become a developed country if it means killing ourselves slowly

[@DeepSouthBama56]

@@solarflare7747 Actually in America, deforestation has been reversed. The forestry industry is now practiced as a renewable industry. Yes trees are cut, but then replaced with new plantings. It's one of the top industries in my state as in others. We all worry about climate change. One mature tree has the capability to absorb 48 tons of CO2 annually. In the case of the US, we emit 5.4 billion tons of CO2, the simple act of planting just 112 million trees would zero out these CO2 emissions. Now granted this will do nothing for what is in our atmosphere at present, so no reduction of current CO2 levels. But the reforestation of the Amazon, planting drought resistant trees in Africa such Moringa trees would start to reduce CO2 levels world wide. The Moringa tree can also provide food, with the exception of its seed pods is edible.This simple eco practice could be accomplished world wide. Then as time and technology improves and advances alternate energy sources could replace our dependency on fossil fuels. If you live in an underdeveloped country I urge you to check this out.

[@wakranich3488]

USA too. It needs to stop.

[@donny9078]

@@solarflare7747 that is not accurate information

[@donny9078]

@@wakranich3488 that is not accurate

[@weelass3188]

Wonderful documentary. It shows that one person can impact a community and how that effort evolves into a grander scale.

[@flip1980ful]

Im glad and relieved to see this! Thanks🙌🏼

[@mybad.7164]

Hope they succeed in life and get what they want

[@ruedelta]

The problem is that they need to develop to be able to come up with these solutions themselves (e.g. plastics, solar cell production, batteries, engineers). Eventually someone who took the easy road on development (non-sustainable) will come and take over their way of life. The battle has to start at the very top, with the most wasteful, most powerful countries.

[@toneyingram732]

They got what they want they are happy don't have to deal with that hate like we in the United States

[@drudan8957]

"It's climate changes fault" yeah no. Climate change doesn't kill the forest, them chopping it down does. Climate change doesn't kill all the fish (in that area) over fishing does.

[@oddpotato4038]

@James clark It is true that climate change has been a pattern here on earth for has this planet has remembered, but the only difference is that we disrupted that natural process. It is true also that climate change is wreaking havoc on ecosystems everywhere but the truth is that the anomaly in climate change we are facing is only a domino effect that we have done. A change that supposedly only a natural effect that have existed, the earth neither cared for everything that lived here, its only doing its thing. Oh well time to colonize other planets

[@felang-9363]

@James clark This is due to the fact that climate issues are not to majorly effect Amercan and European socities until 2030. For instance, many americans living in the Philippians know that typhoon season was once a few storms a year, but it is now common to see 5x6 times as many each year, and in increasing intensity. Arizona farmers now dig over 500-1000 feet boreholes to reach reservoir water for agriculture. The climate has certainly always changed, and this is well known, therefore climate models predict that under natural conditions we would enter another glacier period within the next one hundred, yet it is now believed this will no longer be the case. The arctic has reached over 20 degrees Celsius for the first time in hundreds of thousands of years, and arctic ice and mountain glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, these are changes that are happening, and the results will be significant within 10 years.

[@summer-7968]

smooth brain, no thoughts

[@LuminousSpace]

@James clark have you seen the livelihood of people and animal facing with climate change issue? i wish you can experienced it yourself so that you know what are we really concerned for.

[@oliverA4936]

What is coral bleaching then and why does that happen at a global scale? Australian fish depend on coral and its all dying, so the fish are also dying... keep denying I'm sure you have a degree relating to environmental sciences

[@deborahgate965]

What a inspiring and wonderful story. Congratulations to all involved in turning their islands environment and lives around for the better.

[@btdarterschannel112]

Such a wonderful video! People CAN make a difference! God bless these people! 😀🌳🌴👍

[@R8V10]

Beautiful film.

[@snackgila]

Thank you. I was thinking to plants more and share it to my neighbor especially plumeria and frangipani flowers and mango tree or rambutan tree. I did small step started it 5 years ago. I lived in Borneo

[@killjoy0408]

Thank you. I've lost hope for humanity for a while, but seeing this brought back that hope

[@yellooh]

Great spotlight. Great to see good works reaching many.

[@rafterrafter5320]

Deforestation is the problem on the island. 2:36 "We can't use the "big axes"anymore";Then this dude comes with a "big axe" and brings down one of the few remaining big trees on the island!!!😂😂😂😂😂

[@hugoedelarosa]

Dennis Fajardo watch the whole video. They planted 1.3 million trees with the help of the inhabitants of a neighboring island.

[@NoBee786]

That's video editing error.😂😂

[@drpk6514]

Commercial fisheries particularly the Chinese massive ships are looting the eastern costs of Africa.

[@qjtvaddict]

M. Karbaschi those are Korean

[@nirjadeshmukh3963]

We in state of Maharashtra, India face similar problem. State has received 787.1 mm of rain last year (77%) in 2018 over an area of 307,713 km² State has been declare drought affected Model adopted by local agency ' Paani Foundation' ..[also on youtube], is to motivate local people to conserve water, make contionous countour trenches -CCT, deep CCT, etc. And these hardly school-educated people were found to adopt quickly to technology and adapt new ways of using bio-gas, recycle used water..etc Are there any training videos, or any kind of self-help these villagers( people from country side ) avail ? They have basic internet accesses

[@nirjadeshmukh3963]

Thank you @Shufei. I believe farmers are also now maintaining grass on mountain slopes etc..to help rain drops seep in soil and prevent soil erosion ..

[@herbertsdottir9223]

780 mm is not bad

[@AN-gl3jx]

787mm sounds like a flood compared to average of 150-250 where I come from. Water harvesting , dams, sealed, berms. The people on the land need to do this for themselves

[@josebenitez3732]

Keep up the great works! It is by nature a short film and many subjects can't be covered in that time. Subjects like swales on contour, biogas - which leads to better respiratory and eye health for those still cooking and heating indoors with wood, rocket stoves, biochar - the quick method of making, biochar - in soils, composting, greywater recycling, vemiculture, black soldier fly larvae production and so much more! Kudos to these gents and their dreams.

[@kathywinkler9802]

Excellent video!! Wonderful message!! ... thank-you for posting!!

[@king.kthebest6158]

Amazing people.

[@MuhammadMuhammad-ev7qg]

Azan in island..soothing

[@firmangobi6477]

Nur Muhammad

[@philipl.7188]

its not called azan it's called athan with the "th" pronounced like in "that". I don't understand Muslims of Pakistani or other Asian backgrounds and their inability to pronounce stuff properly.

[@afilushalu7534]

that special word pronounsiation no other languages. not 'th'

[@bridgetterobinson6045]

I love that ….. it started with a smile and handshake!! Wish everyone thought this way

[@phdtobe]

Love these Short Film Showcase vids!

[@rkelypnonu9423]

Kinda shocked how the old woman acknowledged that cutting down too many trees ruined the economy but she didnt mention simply planting new trees. Makers me wander if she even knew that was possible.

[@wernerbeinhart2320]

Maybe people didn't really know how to. That's why Omar recruited Jeff

[@solutionguy18]

this is the perfect example of deforestation would bring people suffering only.

[@orion1two]

Sorry mate they said many time in the video their problems were because of climate change... (sarcasm)

[@7GtwNYkHYs]

The message, tone, and pace of this video is extremely moving

[@selamyukun8217]

thank you for saving a piece of the planet.safi Swahili spoken by the people.🇨🇦

[@lifesogood7171]

God is always good 😘😍 dont lose hope .... we are bless

[@frankakwetey2354]

Wow. This inspired me to go out and do something to reverse climate change. And the soundtrack in the end is perfect 👍🏾👍🏾

[@donny9078]

Climate change can't be reversed the climate has been constantly changing for billions of years, climate change is mother nature just like the weather it can't be changed

[@motherofsolomon6619]

Beautiful story. Thank you.

[@takemeup69]

"10.30-12.26" spot on indeed. so happy to see this documentary. People Power**

[@sonarbangla5104]

love you. love from Bangladesh.

[@GrowingDownUnder]

Is it possible that they over fished that area? usually in other countries they have bans on catching fish of a certain size you have to put it back I think if they plant prickly pears and dragonfruit they produce edible fruit without much water and in very hot temperatures like the desert. Also pineapples are good too because they are bromeliads which can go long time without water and get their nitrogen from the air don't need good soils they could grow attached to a tree like an epiphyte. Other plants which would be good for them are palm trees can handle a lot of drought and also produce fruit like date palms, coconuts, acai berries, snake fruit, etc.. Any plants with a rhizome is also strong such as ginger...bamboo is a type of grass so it grows very easy and it's new shoots are edible. Legume trees are nitrogen fixing meaning they put nitrogen into the soil and get their nitrogen from the air also there is a lot of edible legume trees

[@GrowingDownUnder]

good idea of them planting fruit they can use the seeds to plant more fruits and 1 banana tree can produce multiple banana trees because they reproduce by new shoots which pop up from the ground called suckers. If they plant some succulents and cactus some of them are edible too you can even make tequilla from agave plants

[@jawofajackass4047]

I love the way you guys think!

[@makeithappenent11]

NO .... THEY ARE POLLUTING THE WATER SO THE FISH DIE AND OTHER STAY AWAY

[@jawofajackass4047]

@@makeithappenent11 why would they do that?

[@Troggedemic]

The overfishing probably isn't the islanders fault. If you look at their boats they have small wooden ships, with no ability to trawl. Which means they rely on small nets, fish traps and fishing rods to get by, all of these are considered sustainable fishing. My guess is that there are big Tanzanian fisheries or even international fishermen who trawl and scoop up the fish for developed markets. Pretty much what happened in Somalia, which made them turn to piracy instead of fishing to make a living.

[@doug5414]

Refreshing/inspirational example of men and women working together and not fighting about equality.

[@maryamkim1281]

Do you think the women in these parts of the world have much of a say? You're funny.

[@monicdavis6150]

Speechless. So happy that they found solutions instead of just complaining. Especially when I think about what I was doing at 21.

[@blubden7732]

”We Dont have any forests anymore” *Chops down tree*

[@Aeon1019]

To sell *IT* to CHINA 🇨🇳-

[@TheSilverGate]

Now imagine the world is an island. Praying nor any god will save us, only action. Act people.

[@alpha-yw1mw]

God is using these men to do this do not disgrace my God

[@firhamghoshali4719]

It is a combination of the two - faith and action. We have seen the follies of faith only on one hand and action only on the other hand. Faith gives hope that actions will produce results. And with Faith, when actions failed, it acts as a motivator to try and try again. Faith acts against hopelessness. Actions without Faith will either breeds arrogance when those actions produced results or hopelessness when those actions failed. Faith and Action are not opposing forces but rather they are complimentary.

[@qjtvaddict]

Jollyrancher whatever fool

[@qjtvaddict]

Firham Ghoshali exactly

[@chadreece4231]

So inspiring. Small changes make the biggest impacts.

[@eugenio1542]

Super Cool ! A Miracle ! Dreams Do come True ! Thanks guys for giving us hope and showing the way. Peace and Love.

[@Mrmudbone_gaming]

These people are over fishing and over deforesting their forest and then complain that they cant so that anymore?

[@hugoedelarosa]

Mudbone gaming another person who did not watch the whole video. They planted 1.3 million trees. You watched no more than 5 minutes or you weren’t paying attention.

Like you, they were ignorant.

[@Cordova.S.William]

Happy merry christmas to every one here,peace nat geo blessings 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎼🎼🎵🎵🎶🎶🎂🍁🚬🔥💨💨

[@binozia-old-2031]

Why the heck did you have all those emojis on the end A Christmas tree (makes sense though having more than two doesn’t) music notes? Cake? A maple leaf? A cigarette (why) and fire and wind

[@JohnSmith-qz6dj]

TALES

[@hobesmcgee8408]

People can be so beautiful - helping to restore humanity one kind act at a time.

[@qjtvaddict]

It’s not kindness it’s necessary

[@miladmzo4258]

Amazing job , thank you for everything

[@Obsidianen]

"We dont have any forrests anymore" - fells a tree one second later.

[@theb166-er3]

"We have no water"... in the middle of the Ocean? Evaporation is free ... rainwater is free... This planet can support 10-15 billion people... but not this way!

[@RickGrimes007]

The beautiful people have over fished deforestation of thier land theses only so much replenishment

[@ItsNotMeItsYou007]

This is absolutely fantastic and I hope it inspires more people like this.

[@Kumagai1976]

Thank you. Very awe inspiring

[@TheOneWhoTubes]

Permaculture. Do it.

[@alexriddles492]

My thought also. There was a lot of talk about lack of water. But, no mention of swales to capture the water that falls as rain.

[@TheOneWhoTubes]

alex riddles Yeah, permaculture = fresh water retention & carbon sequestration, healthy microbiota, flora & fauna simultaneously improve.

[@NathanChisholm041]

They need to start replanting the grasslands and trees to retain the water! Its the only way.

[@Rockyy9950]

Population, pollution ,poor politics

[@turbocharge2512]

David Studer I did not , islam is close to my heart ....

[@utuberme1]

you talking about India?

[@makeithappenent11]

POLITICS

[@ronaldofrias2176]

@@turbocharge2512 I am about to say that lol.

[@professionalhacker2834]

@David Studer Islam is way of life and we are thankful Allah for everything. ALHAMDULILLAH ALHAMDULILLAH ALHAMDULILLAH

[@Pwecko]

Very inspiring. It shows that one or two people can make an enormous difference.

[@rebeccaherrera6006]

Regardless of all the negative comments these two guys did tremendously to educating these villages to maintain sustainability. There are so many other videos out there if people trying to reforest areas they grew up in. Everyone quit being internet critics and do your part. Quit worrying about what others cant or won’t do or how much money or influence they have. Be the superhero of the underdogs. Don’t talk about it. BE about it.

[@fischerk]

MERRY CHRISTMAS

[@merazulislam9511]

please make mix kind of Tree don't only some kind of wood making tree. mix with fruits nuts and animal loveing plants.

[@thecurrentmoment]

That's what they did

[@crystalm4324]

Just amazing and wonderful to see!

[@EdgarKimutai]

inspiring story....that is how to transform communities

[@editatrinio8580]

if the forest is not productive [destroyed] the sea will not be productive. look at Japan they take care of their forest that is why their sea is very productive. what ever nutrients in the forest goes to the sea when it rains, planktons eat it and smaller fish eat it, goes up the foodchain.

[@bluemountaindrivepae]

Japan keeps the hungry Chinese fishermen out of there exclusive economic zone.

[@soulshadoww55]

Yes, but Japan plunders the forests of other countries to maintain their own.

[@NathanChisholm041]

You need to start re planting grasslands and trees to keep the soil and water locked in! other wise you end up with Desertification and land that is dead...

[@shafaqathsirajuddin423]

Love from India you are a bunch of inspirational people ...may god help you in your efforts in fighting climate change and sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature

[@CommunityForests]

Thank you! We're glad you liked the film.

[@Mimikinn]

We have the same problem here in Hawai’i and it is an ongoing battle to preserve our islands. Sadly the tourist industry dominates here and don’t care about destroying the islands as long as they can make a buck.

[@herrvonundzulustig5695]

Everybody on earth should plant 200 trees in the whole life

[@thelissoway6758]

Or every year if we do it from seed.

[@prashanpremaratneAU]

Planting Pine type trees is the wrong approach. They never enrich the soil. Need to plant native trees.

[@kazzana9013]

I don't think those were pines, but a fast growing, short lived nitrogen fixing species. These days we need to plant diversity, so we have the best chance of survival.

[@thebergbok8279]

Those are Casuarina (beefwood) trees originally from Australia but now planted world wide in tropical to temperate climate zones., fast, easy to grow as weeds & extremely tough . They can be planted to virtually the edge of the sea. When fully grown they produce a wood which gives a very beautiful timber which has been used in furniture production for centuries.

[@jenniferhenderson3249]

Pines do enrich the soil. The needles drop all year long, the organic matter is there, it just does not all drop over a short season as in deciduous species. All plant species on earth are native species. We have to recognize that! Humans need to stop fixating on the idea that what they view at that exact moment in time is the way things must stay forever. The ecology of Earth is highly dynamic and at any given time there are species migrating from one area to another as the ecosystems experience change. When one species "invades" an area and "takes over" it is just filling a niche and enhancing the ecosystem. Some humans are highly competitive, whereas most plants cooperate (watch or read Suzanne Simard's research on 'How Trees Talk to Eachother' for more info). That said, trees that are able to thrive in the ecosystem which is being enhanced after being depleted are of course the best choice. It is quite apparent that the humans on this project proceeded with much thought and care so rest assured all has been done to the highest of standards.

[@lonewolf1707]

May God bless you.We need more people like you.I will try to do my best to improve the lives of those around me

[@Tokher]

This is a beautiful and inspiring video.

[@SonicPhonic]

"Conservative" politicians need to get some brains in their heads and realize that investing in our natural environment is of the greatest value.

[@ruedelta]

@liz Swedlund Not per capita, which is far more important, unless if you are implying that Americans _deserve_ to pollute 4x as much as Chinese do, while having a much smaller manufacturing sector. Despite all of the hypocrisy, China likewise is on the forefront of environmental solutions, being one of the largest solar panel producers and having some of the most aggressive environmental policies in the world. According to mandate, in 10 years all newly manufactured cars must be electric. Feel free to point out any country that is remotely close to such a move.

[@stevep5408]

How is it natural to destroy the natural environment to replace it with bananas, palms, ect.

[@gorkyd7912]

A portion of every dollar spent in the US on ammunition goes to procurement and management of the millions of acres of public lands, some of which are open to hunting. US-based hunters are the largest and best-funded forest conservation group worldwide because conservatives have kept hunting as a nearly universal, managed food source instead of a sport for the elite. Liberal politicians present themselves as champions of the environment yet they want to end gun ownership, the demonize hunters, and what I see in terms of concrete actions are: carbon taxes, income taxes, corporate taxes, more fees, etc. that will be redistributed to "green" corporations.

[@DazBochiz]

@@gorkyd7912 really reaching for straws there bud - it's very rare that the people who want to ban guns are ever talking about hunting rifles but i'm sure the conservatives - who have just an amazing track record on environmental protection will appreciate your pointless shilling

[@gorkyd7912]

@@DazBochiz I'm not as naive as you are, bud and I wasn't talking about "hunting rifles." Keep being a sheep, just lower your voice when you bleat so people think you're a wise old one.

[@Brucev7]

So the waters have been fished out, and forests cut down. Climate Change or Human management?

[@hugoedelarosa]

Brucev7 if you, and so many others, had watched the video you’d know the people on this island have lived there for centuries. The cause of their problems were both climate change and management of their resources. They started having problems in the last 50 or 60 years. They planted 1.3 million trees with the help of their neighbors on a bigger island. Watch the whole video.

[@kadmow]

@@hugoedelarosa: Their Problems appear to have come soon after: modern antibiotics were invented, diesel generators became available, foreign aid became accessible, international fishing fleets invaded their waters, ?who knows maybe timber export became possible?...... Wanna make some correlations.... One could say that the invention of the telegraph was the historical invention that will lead to the downfall of modern civilisation, but then again it may not (both cases)..

[@frankpost62]

@@hugoedelarosa not that amount of people. One of interviewed ladies tells she came there when everything was flourishing. And apart from immigration, due to modern vacination the population grew.

[@joythought]

Micro-climate change, rather than global climate change : chopping all the trees raised the local temperature and lost the water held by the roots, hence desertification process was occurring. Re-watch with that in mind.

[@yusufbych6308]

happy to watch this video-that the way-live with nature and not against it-the best wishes for the people of kokota and all people in the same situation around the globe-hat of for you

[@thxlovefactor]

What happened to Kokota might have been to teach the world the importance of protecting the Earth. Life is all about lessons and often times something terrible can happen in order to CHANGE something else for the better. Life really is a mystery. This was such a beautiful video and so utterly inspiring 💜