It takes large volumes of water to grow rice, but old habits have to change in a world running short of water. Rice farmers in Thailand are adopting a new method, System of Rice Intensification (SRI), to achieve more crop with less seeds and water -- but without damaging the environment. It involves using mulch, inter-cropping and transplanting rice earlier than usual.
Droughts, floods and environmental degradation have caused much concern among the ten African countries that share the River Nile. As they search for ways to minimise damage, researchers are focusing on people, livestock and the land near the source of this mighty river. Everybody needs to manage more with less water, and old habits have to change.
The indigenous Moken people -- or sea gypsies -- have always looked after mangroves on the Pra Thong island in southern Thailand. We find out how they are working to restore and protect the island's mangroves after the tsunami.
For years, the Yellow River has carried very large volume of mud and sand -- the result of soil erosion upstream. Now a conservation farming is showing farmers how to improve soil quality and reduce soil loss. Several conservation methods are being promoted, including the use of mulch on farm lands and growing cover crops. Farmers and downstream communities can already see the benefits.
Wetlands, covering a sixth of the Limpopo basin, control floods, guard against drought and keep millions of people alive. But as human numbers and activities increase, wetlands are showing signs of strain. Researchers are studying the mix of crop growing, livestock and fisheries to come up with a series of tools and guidelines to better balance resource use and conservation.
Shrimp farming damaged and degraded mangroves around the Kalpitiya lagoon. After the industry collapsed, the community joined hands with a conservation group to restore the mangroves, some of which is harvested.
One of the last Asian countries to connect to the Internet, Bhutan is today using online instructions to rapidly train more teachers. We visit Thimphu and Samtse to find out more.
