GEO Reports

Lionel Franc has been a cliff diving fanatic since he was a child. He dives into crystal waters from the cliffs that surround Marseille, in the Calanques National Park. Disadvantaged kids, inspired by him, line up to be taught this risky but freeing discipline. Fly like a bird and swim like a fish, in a single leap.

In southern Thailand, the Koh Panyee village sits on stilts and even has a floating football field, built in the 1990s by a group of children. But over time, the ad hoc field has fallen into disrepair. But now the village is about to hold its first tournament in years and the field needs a major overhaul.

The Italian island of Stromboli is home to just 300 people, mainly farmers and fishermen. They fish using sustainable, traditional methods that generates little profit, but empowers this small community to live outside of mainstream capitalism.

When Massimo Vacchetta discovered little Ninna, he immediately adopted her and saved her from certain death. The veterinarian, whose specialty was caring for cattle, had found his vocation: he opened a hedgehog refuge, now a local institution partly run by volunteers.

Recognisable by their distinctive snout, Tapirs were once common across North and South America. Today these beautiful mammals are threatened with extinction as humans encroach on their habitat. But in Costa Rica and Nicaragua biologists are devoting their lives to save the species.

Karachai horses are a legendary breed from southern Russia. These robust animals have been bred for centuries in the Caucasus, although they almost became extinct 50 years ago. Dedicated breeders saved the local breed and now one enthusiast is attempting to summit Mount Elbrus with them, the tallest peak in the region.