Rivers under pressure - From drought and competing agendas

Hotter temperatures, falling groundwater levels, and dry soil are putting pressure on Germany's water resources. Can plans to improve water retention and restore river landscapes solve the problem?

This documentary follows people who are fighting to secure the future of water resources in three German states. They range from scientists to farmers, to environmental groups, and politicians.

We discover the consequences of decades of river straightening and hear why floodplains are so important for flood protection, drinking water supply, and climate adaptation. Using the examples of the Unstrut, Mulde, and Elbe rivers, the film illustrates the opportunities offered by renaturation projects as well as the divisions they can cause. Amid the tensions between nature conservation, agriculture, and political interests, one central question arises: How can Germany ensure more water is retained in the land in future?

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