Mai Ndombe (Black Water) : A community fights for survival against an unlikely culprit

Once teeming with life, Lake Mai Ndombe (meaning Black Water) in the Congo Basin is now depleted and local communities face starvation. The vanishing fish population can be traced back to an unlikely culprit, but they have a hopeful solution at the Mai Ndombe REDD+ Project that could turn the tide.--------------------------------Black Water is a poignant exploration of survival and resilience deep in the remote forest of the Congo Basin at the Mai Ndombe REDD+ Project. This short film delves into the lives of a local community around Lake Mai Ndombe (Lake of ‘Black Water’) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This once bountiful body of water now teeters on the brink of collapse. Over the years, the lake’s vibrant fish population has dwindled, threatening the livelihoods of those who have relied on its resources for generations. The film traces this ecological decline back to an unexpected source: mosquito nets. Originally introduced by aid organizations to combat malaria, these finely meshed nets found a new, unintended purpose as fishing tools. However, their use has come at a steep cost, leading to the overfishing of even the youngest fish, disrupting the delicate balance of life within the lake. Through intimate interviews and breathtaking visuals, Black Water captures the struggle of the lake's surrounding communities as they face the harsh reality of dwindling resources. It explores the cultural and generational shifts brought on by the environmental crisis, revealing the deep connection between the people and the lake that sustains them. Amidst the struggle, Black Water captures a glimmer of hope. The communities, in partnership with Wildlife Works, have embarked on an ambitious project to restore their ecosystem. By using their profits from carbon credits earned through forest conservation, they have built sustainable fish nurseries. This project not only offers a lifeline to those on the brink of starvation but also holds the promise of restoring balance to the lake's fragile ecosystem. Black Water is a powerful testament to resilience, the importance of community-driven solutions, and the enduring spirit of a people determined to secure a sustainable future for their children.For more community stories, sign up for our newsletter: https://wildlifeworks.activehosted.com/f/1