Paradise Preserved

The inhabitants of Vega made a long time ago an astonishing pact with the eiders, a wild species of ducks. Every year, they build small wooden shelters where the birds take refuge to nest.

In the rainforests in the north of the Republic of the Congo, there are lumberjacks who contribute to the preservation of the tropical forests through their work. The wood company IFO cooperates closely with nature conservationists.

In Switzerland, as alpine traditions are lost, forest and brushwood are gaining ground, and some local species are becoming scarce. Faced with this threat, the Swiss are redoubling their efforts to preserve the magic of their mountains.

The cloud forests in the Andes of Ecuador are among the most species-diverse landscapes on Earth. However, these lush forests are under threat as they have to give way to fields and cow pastures.

The picturesque Lake Constance region is characterised by intensive agriculture with dramatic results for bird life. Since 2003, the ornithologist Peter Berthold has been creating new habitats for birds.