CCTV - Mekong Alive (2010) Part 5 An Uncertain Future

This portfolio of films invites us to discover one of the longest rivers in the world, the Mekong. All along its course, from the Tibetan plateau to its mouth in the China Sea, on nearly 5.000 kilometres, this mighty river offers us uncountable enriching discoveries: the wonderful flora and rich fauna, the diversified landscapes of the Greater Mekong, the majestic mountains and wild gorges, the quiet lakes and breathtaking waterfalls.

We will discover countless temples set on its banks revealing the presence of Buddhism but above all, we will meet some of the 320 million people who live along the stream. It spreads over six countries: China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. With its abundant production of rice, fruits, vegetables and flowers, its basin has become what could be called the 'garden of the world', in comparison to Amazonia which is often called 'the lung of the world'.

Even if the countries, languages, histories, customs and nationalities are different, this river remains the undisputed economical, social and spiritual link of the region, oft called the Greater Mekong. Many colourful characters, all living on the banks of the waterway, will guide us in the discovery of the magnificent natural landscapes and traditional customs, leaving us to wonder about the imprint those natural links on the People of the Mekong. And about the environmental challenges they have to face.

Part 5: An Uncertain Future
This film looks at future of the Greater Mekong. It is by meeting with young people and with those who are in charge of preparing, educating and training them that we will be able to go deeper in search of some answers. The Buddhist philosophy takes an active part in the planning of the future. In Burma, we will follow the steps of a 10 year old boy going through his initiation by Buddhist monks. Then we will compare his experience with the one of a monk who has been living in his temple for over twenty four years. We will also meet with other youngsters, who still have a life to make for themselves, like this very young Vietnamese girl preparing to go to school for the first time and a young Chinese girl from the mountain.

As a conclusion, we wish to put the Great Mekong and its development in a historical perspective from the first men living from gathering, hunting and fishing to web businessmen proposing to the world to develop business with Internet technology. A region that is worth discovering especially when thinking of the part it will play in the future as the Garden of the World.