“Black Water,” a new award-winning short film by Wildlife Works, showcases how community-led conservation efforts embody the principles of high-integrity REDD+ projects, highlighting the power of communities who design their own solutions.
Deep in the heart of the Democratic Republic of the Congo lies Lake Mai Ndombe – "Lake of Black Water" – a vital lifeline for countless communities that have called its shores home for generations. This once-abundant ecosystem now faces an unprecedented crisis, as documented in the new Wildlife Works award-winning short film "Black Water."
The film, which has already won an Award of Excellence from the Best Shorts Competition and a special award from the Wildlife Conservation Festival, takes viewers on an intimate journey through the struggles and triumphs of local communities adapting against environmental challenges.
Through stunning cinematography and candid interviews, "Black Water" reveals how the lake's once-thriving fish populations have declined dramatically due to an unlikely culprit, pushing local families to the brink of starvation. The film masterfully traces this ecological crisis to its unlikely source, mosquito nets.
In the early 2000s, global NGOs distributed mosquito nets to help with malaria outbreaks. However, these fine meshed nets were instead used for fishing, leading to:
Traditional fishing knowledge being lost
Toxic chemicals from treated mosquito nets entering the food chain. One of the most common insecticides used by the mosquito net industry is permethrin, which is carcinogenic to humans and highly toxic to fish.
Nets getting tangled around and strangling the unique pneumatophore roots of mangrove trees, which unlike other tree’s roots, stick up into the air. Mangrove trees are known as “climate change warriors” because they are exceptionally effective at capturing and storing carbon dioxide, they protect coastlines from storm surges, and their maze-like root systems serve as safe zones for young fish, supporting rich biodiversity.
The story of mosquito nets in Lake Mai Ndombe shows how solutions created thousands of miles away can have unexpected consequences, and why local communities must lead conservation efforts.
Amidst the challenges that Black Water explores emerges a story of innovation and hope. The documentary showcases how these resilient communities are pioneering a remarkable solution: using carbon credit revenues from forest conservation at the Mai Ndombe REDD+ Project to establish sustainable, native fish nurseries. As of 2023, 3 farms with 25 fishponds have been established. This groundbreaking initiative serves a dual purpose – providing immediate relief to families facing food scarcity while in the long-term working to restore the lake's delicate ecological balance. To ensure no invasive species were introduced, the fishpond project began with a groundbreaking eDNA study that identified native species like Tilapia Congica and Clarias gabonensis, guiding the fishponds to focus on farming local species.
Key themes covered in this film:
The critical connection between environmental health and community survival
The innovative use of carbon credits to fund local conservation initiatives
The importance of community-led solutions that balance ecological and human needs
Watch the film below to witness this inspiring story of resilience and discover how one community is working to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
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This film will be screened at the Wild and Scenic Film Festival in February, 2025. Get your tickets here.
