Ep 7. Rivers: Friend and Foe

Human Planet season 1 episode 7, titled "Rivers: Friend and Foe," explores the complex relationship between human societies and the rivers that are critical to their survival. This episode takes viewers on a journey to some of the most remote and diverse places on earth, where people have learned to live in harmony with some of the most powerful and unpredictable natural forces on the planet.

The episode begins with a group of fishermen in the Congo, who use dugout canoes to navigate the rapids and catch fish with their bare hands. They have developed a deep understanding of the river, its currents, and the behavior of the fish that live in it. They rely on the river for their livelihoods, but they also understand that it can be dangerous and unpredictable.

The focus then shifts to the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, where people have lived alongside the river for thousands of years. They have developed unique fishing methods, such as using trained otters to catch fish, and have built floating homes and markets along the riverbanks. However, the river is also a source of conflict between different ethnic groups, who compete for the dwindling fish stocks.

Next, the episode travels to the Arctic, where the indigenous people of Northern Canada have developed a deep spiritual connection with the rivers that are central to their way of life. They use traditional knowledge to navigate the frozen river systems and hunt for caribou and other game. However, climate change is threatening the delicate balance between human societies and the natural world, and the melting of the ice is altering the rivers in ways that are difficult to predict.

The episode then takes viewers to the Amazon, where people have learned to rely on the river for everything from food to medicine. They use traditional techniques to fish for giant catfish and to navigate the jungle. However, the increased pressure of industrial development threatens to destroy the fragile ecosystem of the Amazon and displace the indigenous communities that have lived there for generations.

Finally, the episode explores the importance of rivers in urban environments, focusing on the complex network of canals and waterways that criss-cross the city of Venice. The people of Venice have built a unique relationship with their waterways, using them for transport and trade, but also facing the constant threat of flooding and erosion.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning footage of some of the most spectacular and diverse river systems in the world, and gain a deep appreciation of the ways in which human societies have learned to live in harmony with the natural world. The episode is a powerful reminder of the fragility of our planet and the importance of preserving the delicate balance between human societies and the natural environment.